Trick for Using “Who” Versus “Whom”

If you’re like me, there have been at least a few times when you weren’t sure which to use: “who” or “whom.”

I’ve been in this situation several times. I knew there was a trick to determining which I should use. But I was unable to recall what that trick was.

Helpful, right?

THE TRICK

When deciding which to use, ask yourself if the answer to your question would be “he” or “him.” If your answer is “him,” then use “whom.”

(Notice that “whom,” like “him” ends with an “m.”)

If your answer was the word, “he,” use “who.”

EXAMPLES:

Question: Who/Whom drove the car?

Answer: He (who) drove the car.

Question: Who/Whom do you care for?

Answer: I care for him (whom).

Another mystery solved. 

Jennifer Minar-Jaynes is a freelance writer and the editor-in-chief of www.WritersBreak.com, a “Writer’s Digest” Top 101 Web site. Subscribe to her weekly e-newsletter for more how-to articles on the craft and business of writing by sending an email to subscribe@writersbreak.com.