Grammar Puzzle Solved (39): Who vs Whom – Easy Rule to Avoid Common Grammar Mistakes

Let’s explore who vs whom because many English learners find “who” and “whom” confusing. The good news? You can master this rule with a simple substitution trick and a clear understanding of sentence roles.

Key Difference Explained with Proof

Word	Role in Sentence	Replace It With	Proof (Substitution Example)
Who	Subject	He / She	Who is coming? → He is coming.
Whom	Object	Him / Her	Whom did you meet? → You met him.

✅ Proven Examples with “Who” (Subject)

1. Who is knocking at the door?

• Test: Try replacing who with he or him.
• “He is knocking at the door.” ✅ Sounds correct.
• So, “Who is knocking at the door?” is correct.

2. I wonder who left the book on the table.

• “He left the book.” ✅ Makes sense.
• Who is doing the action → subject → use who.

✅ Proven Examples with “Whom” (Object)

1. Whom did you invite to the party?

• Try: “You invited him.” ✅ Works perfectly.
• Him = object → So, use whom.

2. The artist whom the critic praised became famous.

• Test: “The critic praised her.” ✅ Clear and correct.
• Her = object of the verb “praised” → use whom.

💡 Shortcut Proof: Use “He” vs “Him” Logic

Let’s test this sentence:

Who/Whom are you waiting for?

• Rearranged: “You are waiting for ___.”
• Try: “You are waiting for him.” ✅ Sounds right.
• Therefore, use whom → “Whom are you waiting for?”

This works every time.

🚫 Common Mistake Explained and Corrected

❌ “Who are you speaking to?”

• Let’s test it: “You are speaking to he”? ❌ Sounds wrong.
• Correct: “You are speaking to him.” ✅
• Him = object → correct version: “Whom are you speaking to?”

📝 Practice Sentences with Full Proofs

Let’s walk through these step by step:

1. To ______ should I address the letter?

• Rearranged: “I should address the letter to ___.”
• Try: “…to him.” ✅ Correct.
• Him = object → Answer: Whom

2. I wonder ______ left the window open.

• Try: “He left the window open.” ✅
• He = subject → Answer: Who

3. She met a writer ______ she admires.

• Try: “She admires him.” ✅
• Him = object → Answer: Whom

🧩 Summary Table (with Substitution Proof)

Sentence	Substitution	Correct Word
Who is calling you?	He is calling you.	Who
Whom did she choose as the leader?	She chose him.	Whom
I know the person who made this painting.	He made this.	Who
The man whom we met was helpful.	We met him.	Whom

🎯 Final Tip

Remember:

If “he” fits → use who.
If “him” fits → use whom.

This rule always works and helps you avoid guesswork.

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English Poetry by Naeem Ullah Butt: https://englishlitnotes.com/category/english-poetry/page/7/

The Prologue by Anne Bradstreet:

https://americanlit.englishlitnotes.com/the-prologue-by-anne-bradstreet/

First Year at Harrow by Sir Winston Churchill: https://englishwithnaeemullahbutt.com/2025/06/02/first-year-at-harrow/

Subject-Verb Agreement:

https://grammarpuzzlesolved.englishlitnotes.com/subject-verb-agreement-with-or-nor/

For English and American literature and grammar, visit Google: https://www.google.com