Who vs. Whom: Subject vs. Object

The Rule

• Who = subject (the one doing the action)
• Whom = object (the one receiving the action)

The He/Him Trick

This works every time. Rephrase the sentence using “he” or “him”:

• If “he” fits → use who
• If “him” fits → use whom

Both “whom” and “him” end in M. That’s your memory hook.

Examples Using the Trick

”_____ called you?” → “He called you.” ✓ → Use who

“To _____ should I address this?” → “I should address this to him.” ✓ → Use whom

“The person _____ you met was my sister.” → “You met him.” ✓ → Use whom

”_____ is responsible for this?” → “He is responsible.” ✓ → Use who

Subject vs. Object Explained

Subject (who): performs the action

• “Who ate my sandwich?” (Someone ate it—they’re doing the action)

Object (whom): receives the action

• “Whom did you call?” (Someone was called—they received the action)

Common Situations

After prepositions, use whom:

• “To whom it may concern” ✓
• “With whom did you go?” ✓
• “For whom is this gift?” ✓

As the subject, use who:

• “Who wants pizza?” ✓
• “Who is at the door?” ✓
• “The one who finishes first wins.” ✓

The Casual Reality

In everyday speech, “who” is taking over both roles:

• “Who did you call?” (technically should be “whom”)
• “Who is this for?” (technically should be “whom”)

These are widely accepted in casual conversation. But in formal writing, the distinction still matters.

Quick Decision Guide

Position in Sentence	Use
Subject of a verb	who
After a preposition	whom
Object of a verb	whom
When in doubt (casual)	who

Tricky Cases

“Give it to whoever/whomever needs it.” → “He needs it” (not “him needs it”) → Use whoever

The whole clause “whoever needs it” is the object, but within that clause, the person is the subject of “needs.”

Remember

• Who = he (subject)
• Whom = him (object)
• Both “whom” and “him” end in M