Language Fundamentals

Who vs. Whom

Use 'who' for subjects, 'whom' for objects, or simplify the sentence.

Last updated

What & why

What it is
The distinction between who, the subject form that performs an action, and whom, the object form that receives one or follows a preposition. Who is calling? takes the subject; To whom did you send it? takes the object. Whom is fading from casual speech but still signals precision in formal writing. A reliable test: if the answer would be he or she, use who; if it would be him or her, use whom.
Why it works

For many listeners, who and whom act as a register signal: getting it right reads as careful and educated, while a misuse can briefly distract. The riskier error is hypercorrection, reaching for whom where who belongs (Whom is calling?), which often lands as trying too hard and can undercut authority more than the casual who would. Using the correct form, or simplifying the sentence to sidestep the choice, keeps attention on your message rather than on a momentary grammatical snag.

Before & after

Before

“Whom is calling?”

After

“Who is calling?”

When you’ll use it

Employee introductions: "This is the manager who leads the team" (subject) vs "the manager whom we hired" (object)

Meeting references: "Who will attend?" (subject) vs "Whom should we invite?" (object)

Performance discussions: "The employee who excelled" (subject) vs "the employee whom we promoted" (object)

Client communications: "Who is responsible?" (subject) vs "To whom should I send this?" (object)

Pro tip

If you can answer with 'him,' use 'whom.' If 'he,' use 'who.'

Questions & answers

When should I use 'who' vs. 'whom' in business communication?

Use 'who' as the subject ('Who is leading the project?') and 'whom' as the object ('To whom should I send this?'). However, 'who' is increasingly acceptable in most contexts. Prioritize natural communication over rigid grammar rules.

Is 'whom' still important in professional writing?

'Whom' is becoming less critical in modern business communication. Use it in formal contexts when you're confident it's correct, but don't worry about it in casual business communication. Clear, natural expression matters more than perfect traditional grammar.

How can I remember when to use 'whom'?

Replace with 'him' or 'her.' If it works, use 'whom.' 'To whom should I speak?' = 'Should I speak to him?' If you'd use 'he' or 'she,' use 'who.' When in doubt, 'who' is usually acceptable in modern business communication.

Learn more

Purdue OWL - Pronoun Case
George Mason University Writing Center - Who/Whom
Wikipedia - Who (pronoun)

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