When it comes to using “who” and “whom,” many writers and even native speakers can get a bit confused. While both are essential pronouns in the English language, they serve different grammatical roles.
In this post, we’ll delve into the common issue surrounding “some of whom” vs. “some of who”, clarify the rules, and provide practical tips to always use them correctly. By the end, you’ll not only understand when to use “who” and “whom” but also gain a deeper appreciation for this aspect of English grammar.
Understanding the Basics: “Who” vs. “Whom”
To begin, it’s crucial to grasp the difference between “who” and “whom.” These pronouns are essential in English grammar, but they serve two distinct purposes.
- “Who” is a subjective pronoun. This means it functions as the subject of a sentence or clause. When you’re talking about the one performing the action, you’ll use “who.”
- “Whom” is an objective pronoun. It’s used as the object of a verb or preposition—the one receiving the action in the sentence.
Examples:
- Who ate the last cookie? (The subject of the action)
- To whom should I address this letter? (The object of the preposition “to”)
This simple difference can be the key to mastering “who” vs. “whom.”
Quick and Easy Tricks to Always Get It Right
Let’s face it—remembering when to use “who” vs. “whom” can be tricky, especially in informal writing and speech. But there are a few tricks that can help you get it right every time:
1. The He/Him Test
One of the most foolproof ways to decide between “who” and “whom” is to substitute the sentence with “he” or “him.” Here’s how it works:
- If “he” fits, use “who.”
- If “him” fits, use “whom.”
Example:
- Who/Whom is coming to the party?
- If you substitute “he” or “him,” you’d say, “He is coming to the party.” Since “he” works, you use “who.”
- To whom should I send this letter?
- Substituting “him” gives “I should send this to him.” Since “him” works, you use “whom.”
This trick may sound simple, but it works like a charm, especially in more complex sentences.
2. Rewriting the Sentence for Clarity
Sometimes, the best way to ensure correct usage is to rewrite the sentence. If “who” or “whom” is giving you trouble, see if rephrasing the sentence makes the subject and object clearer.
Example:
- Incorrect: The person whom is in the front row.
- Corrected: The person who is sitting in the front row.
(“Who” fits here because the person is the subject of the clause.)
By rephrasing, you often make the sentence easier to understand and avoid awkward phrasing.
3. Listening for Natural Speech Patterns
In everyday conversation, we often use “who” even when “whom” is technically correct. While this informal use is common, it’s essential to stick to the rules in formal writing, such as academic papers, professional emails, or journalism.
Why “Some of Whom” Is Correct (Breaking Down the Phrase)
Now let’s get to the heart of the issue: “Some of whom” versus “some of who.” This construction might sound tricky at first, but understanding its grammar makes the correct version clear.
When you use the phrase “some of whom,” you are referring to a subset of people or things, and “whom” is necessary because you’re talking about the object of the preposition “of.” Essentially, “whom” is the object of the phrase.
Example:
- I met several people, some of whom were musicians.
Here, “some of whom” correctly refers to a subset of the people you met. You’re not using “who” because “whom” is the correct object form in the prepositional phrase.
Why does this work?
- Prepositions (such as “of,” “to,” “for,” etc.) require objective pronouns like “whom.”
A Table for Better Understanding
| Subjective Case (Who) | Objective Case (Whom) |
| He is the one who called. | The person to whom I spoke. |
| I don’t know who she is. | I don’t know whom she met. |
| Who is coming to the meeting? | To whom should I send this letter? |
Common Grammar Pitfalls and Misconceptions
Despite the rules, many people still use “who” incorrectly when they should be using “whom.” Understanding why this happens is the first step toward correcting it.
1. The Decline of “Whom” in Modern English
In casual conversation, many English speakers have begun to forgo “whom” entirely. It’s not uncommon to hear sentences like, “Who did you give it to?” instead of “To whom did you give it?” While this is widely accepted in informal settings, it’s still important to use the correct form in formal writing.
2. “Who” vs. “Whom” in Questions
In direct questions, “who” is commonly used regardless of whether it’s a subject or object. For example:
- “Who did you call?” (Although technically “whom” would be the correct choice here, many people prefer to use “who” in this context.)
However, when the question is more complex or formal, “whom” is often the right choice:
- “Whom did you invite to the party?” (More formal, and grammatically correct.)
Real-World Examples: Correct Usage in Context
Understanding the correct usage of “who” and “whom” becomes much clearer when applied to real-world examples. Let’s look at how these two pronouns function in different contexts.
Formal Writing
In academic papers, business communication, or journalism, adhering to the “who” vs. “whom” rule is essential to maintaining professionalism and clarity.
- “The professor, whom I respect deeply, gave an inspiring lecture.” (Here, “whom” is the object of the preposition “whom I respect.”)
Everyday Speech
In casual conversations, we often use “who” regardless of whether it’s technically the subject or object. While this is acceptable in speech, you should aim for precision in your written work.
- “Who do you think will win the game?” (In speech, this would likely be the more natural choice, even though “whom” could technically be correct.)
Legal and Technical Writing
In legal documents or technical manuals, using “whom” correctly ensures clarity and professionalism. Errors in these contexts can lead to misinterpretation or ambiguity.
- “The person whom the law applies to is subject to penalty.” (Here, “whom” functions correctly as the object of the preposition “to.”)
Alternative Phrases and When to Use Them
While “some of whom” is grammatically correct, there are times when alternatives like “some of them” or “some of which” may work better. Here’s when to use them:
1. “Some of Them”
When referring to non-human objects or groups of people, using “them” can simplify the sentence and make it sound more natural.
- Correct: “I met a group of people, some of them were quite famous.”
- Incorrect: “I met a group of people, some of whom were quite famous.”
The difference lies in whether the subject is human (in which case “whom” is often appropriate) or non-human (in which case “them” works just as well).
2. “Some of Which”
When referring to things (rather than people), “some of which” is the correct construction. For example:
- “The books were scattered on the table, some of which were signed by the author.”
This phrasing refers to inanimate objects, not people, so “which” is used instead of “whom.”
Advanced Grammar Insights for Enthusiasts
As you delve deeper into English grammar, you might want to explore more advanced nuances of “who” vs. “whom.” Here are some points to keep in mind:
1. The Decline of “Whom” in Informal English
Over time, “whom” has become less common in casual speech. Linguists have observed this decline, especially in American English. However, “whom” remains integral to clear and formal writing.
2. Exceptions to the Rule
In some instances, native speakers bend the rules of “who” and “whom” without affecting the meaning or clarity. For instance, in a colloquial tone, one might say:
- “Who are you talking to?” instead of “To whom are you talking?”
These exceptions are not errors, but they are informal usages that have evolved in modern English.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “who” and “whom” can be challenging, but it’s a valuable skill that enhances your writing and speaking. By applying the tricks and guidelines outlined in this article, you can confidently use “who” and “whom” in any context.
To recap:
- “Who” is for the subject of the sentence.
- “Whom” is for the object, especially after a preposition.
- Use the he/him test to determine which one fits.
By paying attention to these details, you’ll ensure your grammar remains accurate and polished, whether you’re writing for business, academia, or everyday communication. Happy writing!
FAQs: Some of Whom or Some of Who?
1. Why is “some of whom” correct instead of “some of who”?
“Some of whom” is correct because “whom” is the object of the preposition “of.” Prepositions like of, to, for, with require objective pronouns (whom, him, them). Since “some” refers to a group of people, and they are the object of the phrase, whom is the proper choice.
Example:
I have many friends, some of whom live abroad.
I have many friends, some of who live abroad.
2. How can I easily determine whether to use “who” or “whom”?
A quick trick is the he/him test:
- Replace “who/whom” with “he” or “him.”
- If “he” fits, use who.
- If “him” fits, use whom.
Example:
- I spoke to some of (who/whom) attended the meeting.
- Rewritten: I spoke to some of him. (Incorrect → should be who)
- Correct sentence: I spoke to some of who attended the meeting.
- I spoke to some of (who/whom) I met yesterday.
- Rewritten: I spoke to some of him. (Correct → should be whom)
- Correct sentence: I spoke to some of whom I met yesterday.
3. Is “whom” still commonly used in modern English?
While “whom” is technically correct in formal writing, it is becoming less common in spoken English. Most people say “who” even when “whom” would be grammatically correct. However, in professional or academic settings, it’s best to use “whom” correctly.
Example of casual vs. formal use:
- Casual: Who did you give it to?
- Formal: To whom did you give it?
4. Can “some of whom” be replaced with “some of them”?
Yes, in some cases, you can replace “some of whom” with “some of them” to make the sentence sound more natural in informal writing. However, in formal writing, “some of whom” is preferred when referring to people.
Example:
I met several artists, some of whom were famous. (Formal)
I met several artists, some of them were famous. (Informal)
5. Is “some of which” correct when referring to objects instead of people?
Yes! If you’re referring to things instead of people, you should use “some of which” instead of “some of whom.”
Example:
- She gave me several books, some of which were signed by the author.
- He visited many countries, some of which he had never seen before.
If you’re talking about people, always use “some of whom.”
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