What Part Of Speech Is Whom

"Whom" is a tricky word for many English speakers, often causing confusion about when and how to use it correctly. As a pronoun, "whom" serves a specific grammatical function, acting as the objective case of "who." This means it is used when the pronoun is the object of a verb or a preposition. Understanding the nuances of "whom" not only clarifies its role as a part of speech but also enhances one's ability to construct grammatically accurate and sophisticated sentences.

Introduction to "Whom"

"Whom," as a grammatical term, is a pronoun, specifically an objective pronoun. To fully grasp what part of speech "whom" is, we need to delve into the basics of pronouns and their different cases. Pronouns are words that replace nouns or noun phrases, avoiding repetition and making sentences more concise. They can perform various roles within a sentence, such as subjects, objects, or possessors.

Pronouns and Their Functions

Pronouns are versatile, taking on different forms depending on their function within a sentence. The primary categories of pronouns include:

• Subjective Pronouns: These pronouns act as the subject of a verb. Examples include I, he, she, we, and they.
• Objective Pronouns: These pronouns act as the object of a verb or a preposition. Examples include me, him, her, us, and them.
• Possessive Pronouns: These pronouns indicate ownership. Examples include mine, his, hers, ours, and theirs.
• Reflexive Pronouns: These pronouns refer back to the subject of the sentence. Examples include myself, himself, herself, ourselves, and themselves.
• Relative Pronouns: These pronouns introduce relative clauses, connecting them to the main clause. Examples include who, whom, which, and that.

"Whom" falls into both the objective and relative pronoun categories, making it a crucial element in constructing complex sentences.

The Objective Case

The objective case is used when a pronoun is the recipient of an action (direct object), indirectly affected by the action (indirect object), or governed by a preposition (object of a preposition). Consider the following examples:

• Direct Object: "The teacher praised him." Here, "him" is the direct object of the verb "praised."
• Indirect Object: "She gave me the book." Here, "me" is the indirect object, indicating to whom the book was given.
• Object of a Preposition: "I went with them." Here, "them" is the object of the preposition "with."

Understanding these roles helps clarify where "whom" fits in sentence construction.

Deep Dive into "Whom"

To use "whom" correctly, it's essential to understand its specific role as the objective case of "who." While "who" acts as the subject of a verb, "whom" serves as the object.

"Who" vs. "Whom": A Clear Distinction

The distinction between "who" and "whom" often trips up writers. Here's a simple guideline:

• Use "who" when the pronoun is performing the action.
• Use "whom" when the pronoun is receiving the action.

Consider these examples:

• Who: "Who is going to the party?" Here, "who" is the subject of the verb "is going."
• Whom: "To whom did you give the letter?" Here, "whom" is the object of the preposition "to."

A helpful trick is to replace "who" or "whom" with "he/him" or "she/her." If "he" or "she" sounds correct, use "who." If "him" or "her" sounds correct, use "whom."

Using "Whom" as a Direct Object

As a direct object, "whom" directly receives the action of the verb. Consider the following sentence:

• "Whom did you see at the store?"

In this case, "whom" is the direct object of the verb "see." The sentence can be rephrased as "You saw him at the store," confirming that "whom" is the correct choice.

Using "Whom" as an Indirect Object

While less common, "whom" can also function as an indirect object, indicating to whom or for whom an action is performed. An example:

• "Whom did you give the award?"

Here, "whom" indirectly receives the action of giving the award. Although sentences like this might sound awkward in contemporary English, they demonstrate the grammatical correctness of using "whom" as an indirect object.

"Whom" as the Object of a Preposition

The most common and easily identifiable use of "whom" is as the object of a preposition. Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in the sentence (e.g., to, from, with, for, about). When a pronoun follows a preposition, it should be in the objective case.

Examples:

• "To whom it may concern."
• "With whom did you travel?"
• "For whom are you waiting?"
• "About whom are they talking?"

In each of these sentences, "whom" is governed by the preposition, making it the correct choice.

Relative Clauses and "Whom"

"Whom" also plays a significant role in relative clauses, which provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. As a relative pronoun, "whom" connects the relative clause to the main clause and acts as the object within the relative clause.

Consider the following example:

• "The man whom I saw yesterday is a doctor."

In this sentence, "whom I saw yesterday" is the relative clause, and "whom" is the object of the verb "saw" within that clause. The entire clause modifies "the man."

Another example:

• "She is the author about whom I told you."

Here, "about whom I told you" is the relative clause, with "whom" being the object of the preposition "about."

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

One of the main reasons "whom" is often misused is the increasing informality of modern English. Many speakers and writers tend to avoid "whom" altogether, opting for "who" even when it's grammatically incorrect. However, understanding and avoiding common mistakes can help maintain precision in writing.

Substituting "Who" for "Whom"

The most frequent mistake is using "who" in place of "whom," especially in questions or relative clauses where the pronoun functions as an object.

• Incorrect: "Who did you give the book to?"
• Correct: "To whom did you give the book?" or "Who did you give the book to?" (in informal contexts)

To avoid this, always identify the function of the pronoun in the sentence. If it's receiving the action or governed by a preposition, "whom" is likely the correct choice.

Omitting Prepositions

Sometimes, the preposition is omitted from the beginning of the sentence, leading to incorrect pronoun usage.

• Incorrect: "Who are you going with?"
• Correct: "With whom are you going?" or "Who are you going with?" (informal)

Placing the preposition before "whom" often sounds more formal and grammatically correct.

Using "Whom" After Linking Verbs

Linking verbs (such as is, are, was, were, seem, become) connect the subject of a sentence to a noun or adjective that describes or renames the subject. In such cases, "who" is generally used, not "whom."

• Correct: "Who is the new manager?"
• Incorrect: "Whom is the new manager?"

The pronoun after a linking verb should be in the subjective case (i.e., "who").

The Decline of "Whom" in Modern English

While grammatically significant, the use of "whom" has been declining in contemporary English. The preference for simpler sentence structures and more informal language has led to a gradual decrease in its usage.

Reasons for the Decline

Several factors contribute to the decline of "whom":

• Simplification of Language: Modern English tends towards simpler, more direct constructions. Using "who" in most contexts simplifies sentence formation.
• Informal Communication: In everyday speech and informal writing, grammatical rules are often relaxed. "Who" is widely accepted in place of "whom" in many informal settings.
• Perceived Pompousness: Some people avoid "whom" because they believe it sounds overly formal or pretentious.

Is "Whom" Becoming Obsolete?

While the usage of "whom" is decreasing, it is not yet obsolete. In formal writing, academic contexts, and situations where precision is essential, using "whom" correctly is still valued. Grammatically, "whom" remains a distinct and useful pronoun.

When to Still Use "Whom"

Despite its decline, there are situations where using "whom" is still preferable or even necessary:

• Formal Writing: In academic papers, professional reports, and formal correspondence, using "whom" demonstrates attention to detail and grammatical accuracy.
• Legal Documents: Legal writing often requires precise language. Using "whom" in legal documents helps avoid ambiguity.
• Journalism: Many style guides for journalists still recommend using "whom" when grammatically appropriate.
• When Clarity is Crucial: In complex sentences where using "who" could lead to confusion, "whom" can help maintain clarity.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering "Whom"

Mastering the use of "whom" requires practice and a clear understanding of its grammatical function. Here are some tips and tricks to help you use it correctly:

Substitute "He/Him" or "She/Her"

As mentioned earlier, this is a simple yet effective method. If "he" or "she" sounds right, use "who." If "him" or "her" sounds right, use "whom."

• "Who/Whom is coming to the meeting?" (He is coming to the meeting. → Who is coming to the meeting?)
• "Who/Whom did you invite?" (You invited him. → Whom did you invite?)

Identify the Verb and Its Subject

Determine the main verb in the clause and identify its subject. If the pronoun is not the subject, it is likely the object, and "whom" may be appropriate.

Look for Prepositions

Pay attention to prepositions. If a pronoun immediately follows a preposition, it should be "whom."

• "To whom are you speaking?"
• "With whom did she travel?"

Practice with Examples

Practice constructing sentences using "whom" in various contexts. Analyze existing sentences to understand why "whom" is used correctly.

Review Grammar Resources

Consult grammar guides and style manuals to reinforce your understanding of "whom." Many online resources and textbooks provide detailed explanations and examples.

Examples in Literature and Formal Writing

Examining how "whom" is used in literature and formal writing can provide valuable insights.

Examples from Classic Literature

• "For whom the bell tolls." (Ernest Hemingway, For Whom the Bell Tolls)
• "Ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee." (John Donne, Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions)
• "To whom should I complain?" (Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice)

These examples demonstrate the correct usage of "whom" in formal and literary contexts.

Examples from Formal Documents

• "To whom it may concern, please find attached the requested documents." (Formal letter)
• "The committee will determine to whom the grant should be awarded." (Official report)

In formal documents, using "whom" adds a level of professionalism and precision.

Conclusion: The Enduring Role of "Whom"

In conclusion, "whom" is an objective pronoun that serves as the object of a verb or preposition. While its usage has declined in modern English due to the simplification of language and informality in communication, understanding and using "whom" correctly remains valuable in formal writing, academic contexts, and situations where precision is essential. By mastering the distinction between "who" and "whom," recognizing common mistakes, and practicing its usage, you can enhance your grammatical accuracy and maintain a sophisticated writing style. Although the frequency of its use may continue to evolve, "whom" retains its place as a vital part of speech in the English language.