How do we use who and whom correctly? — Shrivalsan, India
Answer
Whom is the object form of the word who, just like him is the object form of the word he. Use who when it is the subject of a sentence or clause. Use whom when it is the object of a verb or preposition. Sometimes it can help to replace who or whom with he or him. The examples below show how who and whom are used.
Who is coming to the party? (He is coming to the party; he and who are both subjects of the verb.)
Who was at the door just now? (He was at the door just now.)
Whom did you give the book to? (You gave the book to whom? You gave the book to him; him and whom are both objects of the preposition to.)
Whom is that letter for? (That letter is for whom? That letter is for him.)
I want to know who ate my cake. (Who is the subject of the clause "who ate my cake" and we can say "he ate my cake.")
The above examples are what English teachers and grammarians will agree is correct. However, in casual speech whom is almost never used, and sounds too formal to many people. When you are having a casual conversation it is perfectly acceptable to only use who and never use whom.
