Can someone explain when to use "who" and "whom"?

Question

Pretty much what the title said.

I know that Manhattan GMAT had a trick one could use to distinguish these two words, but I didn't quite understand clearly.

tarek99 · Answer

who: when you want to use it as the subject (to test it, replace it with "he")

Whom: when you want to use it as the object (to test it, replace it with "him")

Example 1:

To whom it may concern

in order to test this sentence, just cover up everything from the beginning of the sentence until "to whom" part so that you're left with "it may concern." Do you think it will be more appropriate to have him or he in this sentence?

It may concern (him).

because "him" will sound more appropriate in this sentence, then "whom" will be more appropriate.

Example 2:

This is the guy who hired me.

cover up everything from the beginning of the sentence until you reach "who", your sentence should look as follows:

(he) hired me.

because "he" will sound more appropriate in this sentence, then using "who" is correct.

hope this helps.

lionheart187 · Answer

Wow, thanks!

lionheart187 · Answer

How would you conduct the test in a situation like this?

"The people in the group, one of whom is blind, gave a presentation." - Something similar to an OG problem.

tarek99 · Answer

as a rule of thumb, only object pronouns can come after the preposition "of." in a plural case like this, you could use "them" instead of "him" and "they" instead of "he."

So, would you say "one of them" or "one of they"?? Of course, you would use "one of them", therefore, "whom" will be proper to use.

lionheart187 · Answer

Thanks again!

Can someone explain when to use "who" and "whom"?

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