Who vs. Whom vs. Which: Mastering Relative Pronouns
Understanding the correct use of “who,” “whom,” and “which” is crucial for clear and grammatically correct writing. These relative pronouns are essential for connecting ideas and adding detail to sentences. Many English learners find these words confusing, but with a solid understanding of their functions, you can confidently use them in your writing and speech. This guide provides a comprehensive explanation of these pronouns, along with examples, exercises, and tips to help you master their usage. This article is designed for English language learners, students, and anyone who wants to improve their grammar skills.
This comprehensive guide will cover everything from definitions and structural breakdowns to usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced topics. By the end of this article, you’ll have a firm grasp on when to use “who,” “whom,” and “which,” enhancing the clarity and precision of your communication.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Who, Whom, and Which
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples of Who, Whom, and Which
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of Who, Whom, and Which
Who, whom, and which are relative pronouns that introduce relative clauses. These clauses provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. Understanding their specific functions is key to using them correctly.
Who is used to refer to people when the pronoun is the subject of the relative clause. It identifies the person performing the action within that clause.
Whom is used to refer to people when the pronoun is the object of the verb or a preposition in the relative clause. It identifies the person receiving the action or being acted upon.
Which is used to refer to things or animals. It provides additional information about the noun it modifies.
Structural Breakdown
Relative pronouns connect a main clause with a relative clause. A relative clause provides extra information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. The relative pronoun acts as a bridge, linking the two clauses together.
Here’s a breakdown of how these pronouns function in a sentence:
- Main Clause + Relative Pronoun + Relative Clause
For example:
- The woman who lives next door is a doctor. (Who is the subject of the relative clause.)
- The man whom I saw yesterday is my teacher. (Whom is the object of the verb in the relative clause.)
- The car which I bought is red. (Which refers to the car.)
Understanding this basic structure is essential for correctly identifying and using these relative pronouns.
Types and Categories
Relative clauses can be categorized based on the relative pronoun used to introduce them. Each pronoun serves a specific function and adheres to distinct grammatical rules.
Clauses Using “Who”
Clauses using “who” are used to provide more information about people, where “who” acts as the subject of the relative clause. These clauses are essential for adding detail and context to sentences involving individuals.
Example: The student who studies diligently always succeeds.
Clauses Using “Whom”
Clauses using “whom” are used to provide information about people where “whom” acts as the object of a verb or preposition. While less common in informal speech, using “whom” correctly enhances the formality and precision of writing.
Example: The author, whom everyone admires, is releasing a new book.
Clauses Using “Which”
Clauses using “which” are used to provide additional information about things or animals. These clauses add detail and context to sentences involving non-human subjects.
Example: The house, which is painted blue, is very old.
Examples of Who, Whom, and Which
To solidify your understanding, let’s explore various examples of “who,” “whom,” and “which” in different contexts. These examples will illustrate how each pronoun functions within a sentence.
Examples Using “Who”
“Who” is used to refer to people when it is the subject of the relative clause. The table below provides several examples to illustrate its usage.
The following table provides many examples of how “who” is used correctly. Note how in each case, “who” acts as the subject of the verb in the relative clause, referring back to a person.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The woman who lives next door is a doctor. | “Who” is the subject of “lives” and refers to “the woman.” |
| The student who studies hard will succeed. | “Who” is the subject of “studies” and refers to “the student.” |
| The teacher who taught me English is from England. | “Who” is the subject of “taught” and refers to “the teacher.” |
| The man who is standing over there is my father. | “Who” is the subject of “is standing” and refers to “the man.” |
| The girl who won the race is very talented. | “Who” is the subject of “won” and refers to “the girl.” |
| The chef who created this dish is famous. | “Who” is the subject of “created” and refers to “the chef.” |
| The artist who painted this picture is well-known. | “Who” is the subject of “painted” and refers to “the artist.” |
| The writer who wrote that book is very creative. | “Who” is the subject of “wrote” and refers to “the writer.” |
| The musician who played that song is incredibly skilled. | “Who” is the subject of “played” and refers to “the musician.” |
| The actor who starred in that movie is very popular. | “Who” is the subject of “starred” and refers to “the actor.” |
| The engineer who designed this bridge is innovative. | “Who” is the subject of “designed” and refers to “the engineer.” |
| The scientist who discovered this theory is renowned. | “Who” is the subject of “discovered” and refers to “the scientist.” |
| The athlete who broke the record is inspiring. | “Who” is the subject of “broke” and refers to “the athlete.” |
| The lawyer who won the case is highly respected. | “Who” is the subject of “won” and refers to “the lawyer.” |
| The doctor who treated the patient is very caring. | “Who” is the subject of “treated” and refers to “the doctor.” |
| The programmer who wrote this code is efficient. | “Who” is the subject of “wrote” and refers to “the programmer.” |
| The librarian who helped me find the book is knowledgeable. | “Who” is the subject of “helped” and refers to “the librarian.” |
| The volunteer who organized the event is dedicated. | “Who” is the subject of “organized” and refers to “the volunteer.” |
| The student who asked the question is very curious. | “Who” is the subject of “asked” and refers to “the student.” |
| The person who called is asking for you. | “Who” is the subject of “called” and refers to “the person.” |
| The child who is playing in the garden is my son. | “Who” is the subject of “is playing” and refers to “the child.” |
| The employee who arrived late was reprimanded. | “Who” is the subject of “arrived” and refers to “the employee.” |
| The neighbor who helped me move is very kind. | “Who” is the subject of “helped” and refers to “the neighbor.” |
| The customer who complained received a refund. | “Who” is the subject of “complained” and refers to “the customer.” |
| The politician who made the speech is controversial. | “Who” is the subject of “made” and refers to “the politician.” |
| The activist who organized the protest is passionate. | “Who” is the subject of “organized” and refers to “the activist.” |
| The journalist who wrote the article is insightful. | “Who” is the subject of “wrote” and refers to “the journalist.” |
Examples Using “Whom”
“Whom” is used to refer to people when it is the object of a verb or a preposition in the relative clause. Although less common in everyday speech, it is essential for formal writing. The following table demonstrates its proper usage.
The following table provides many examples of how “whom” is used correctly. Note how in each case, “whom” acts as the object of the verb or preposition in the relative clause, referring back to a person.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The man whom I saw yesterday is my teacher. | “Whom” is the object of “saw” and refers to “the man.” |
| The woman whom everyone admires is a great leader. | “Whom” is the object of “admires” and refers to “the woman.” |
| The student whom the teacher praised is very diligent. | “Whom” is the object of “praised” and refers to “the student.” |
| The artist whom I met at the gallery is very talented. | “Whom” is the object of “met” and refers to “the artist.” |
| The writer whom the critics lauded is releasing a new book. | “Whom” is the object of “lauded” and refers to “the writer.” |
| The musician whom the audience applauded gave an encore. | “Whom” is the object of “applauded” and refers to “the musician.” |
| The actor whom the director chose is perfect for the role. | “Whom” is the object of “chose” and refers to “the actor.” |
| The engineer whom the company hired is highly skilled. | “Whom” is the object of “hired” and refers to “the engineer.” |
| The scientist whom the university funded is making progress. | “Whom” is the object of “funded” and refers to “the scientist.” |
| The athlete whom the coach trained won the championship. | “Whom” is the object of “trained” and refers to “the athlete.” |
| The lawyer whom the client trusted won the case. | “Whom” is the object of “trusted” and refers to “the lawyer.” |
| The doctor whom the hospital employed is very experienced. | “Whom” is the object of “employed” and refers to “the doctor.” |
| The programmer whom the startup recruited is innovative. | “Whom” is the object of “recruited” and refers to “the programmer.” |
| The librarian whom the students consulted is very helpful. | “Whom” is the object of “consulted” and refers to “the librarian.” |
| The volunteer whom the organization recognized is dedicated. | “Whom” is the object of “recognized” and refers to “the volunteer.” |
| The student to whom I gave the book is my friend. | “Whom” is the object of the preposition “to” and refers to “the student.” |
| The person from whom I received the letter is unknown. | “Whom” is the object of the preposition “from” and refers to “the person.” |
| The colleague with whom I worked is very supportive. | “Whom” is the object of the preposition “with” and refers to “the colleague.” |
| The client for whom I am working is very demanding. | “Whom” is the object of the preposition “for” and refers to “the client.” |
| The candidate about whom they spoke is very qualified. | “Whom” is the object of the preposition “about” and refers to “the candidate.” |
| The person by whom this was written is unknown. | “Whom” is the object of the preposition “by” and refers to “the person.” |
| The official to whom the report was submitted is reviewing it. | “Whom” is the object of the preposition “to” and refers to “the official.” |
| The expert from whom we sought advice is highly knowledgeable. | “Whom” is the object of the preposition “from” and refers to “the expert.” |
| The team with whom we collaborated achieved great results. | “Whom” is the object of the preposition “with” and refers to “the team.” |
| The institution for whom she volunteers is well-respected. | “Whom” is the object of the preposition “for” and refers to “the institution.” |
| The subject about whom the lecture was given is fascinating. | “Whom” is the object of the preposition “about” and refers to “the subject.” |
Examples Using “Which”
“Which” is used to refer to things or animals. It is never used to refer to people. The table below provides examples of its usage.
The following table provides many examples of how “which” is used correctly. Note how in each case, “which” refers back to a thing or animal, and never a person.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The car which I bought is red. | “Which” refers to “the car.” |
| The book which I am reading is very interesting. | “Which” refers to “the book.” |
| The house which is painted blue is very old. | “Which” refers to “the house.” |
| The dog which is barking is very friendly. | “Which” refers to “the dog.” |
| The movie which we watched last night was excellent. | “Which” refers to “the movie.” |
| The song which is playing on the radio is my favorite. | “Which” refers to “the song.” |
| The computer which I use for work is very efficient. | “Which” refers to “the computer.” |
| The phone which I lost was brand new. | “Which” refers to “the phone.” |
| The city which I visited last summer is beautiful. | “Which” refers to “the city.” |
| The restaurant which we went to last night was delicious. | “Which” refers to “the restaurant.” |
| The painting which is hanging in the museum is famous. | “Which” refers to “the painting.” |
| The sculpture which is displayed in the park is impressive. | “Which” refers to “the sculpture.” |
| The plant which I bought is growing well. | “Which” refers to “the plant.” |
| The tool which I used to fix the car is very handy. | “Which” refers to “the tool.” |
| The idea which I had was very innovative. | “Which” refers to “the idea.” |
| The project which I am working on is very challenging. | “Which” refers to “the project.” |
| The solution which we found was very effective. | “Which” refers to “the solution.” |
| The method which we used was very efficient. | “Which” refers to “the method.” |
| The system which we implemented is very reliable. | “Which” refers to “the system.” |
| The program which I installed is very useful. | “Which” refers to “the program.” |
| The recipe which I followed was delicious. | “Which” refers to “the recipe.” |
| The technique which I learned was very helpful. | “Which” refers to “the technique.” |
| The strategy which we adopted was very successful. | “Which” refers to “the strategy.” |
| The approach which we took was very effective. | “Which” refers to “the approach.” |
| The concept which I explained was very complex. | “Which” refers to “the concept.” |
Usage Rules
Understanding the rules governing the use of “who,” “whom,” and “which” is essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences. Each pronoun has specific guidelines that dictate its proper usage.
Rules for Using “Who”
Rule 1: Use “who” when the pronoun is the subject of the relative clause. This means “who” performs the action in the clause.
Rule 2: “Who” always refers to people, never to things or animals.
Rule 3: In informal contexts, “who” can sometimes replace “whom,” but this is generally discouraged in formal writing.
Rules for Using “Whom”
Rule 1: Use “whom” when the pronoun is the object of the verb in the relative clause. This means “whom” receives the action.
Rule 2: Use “whom” when the pronoun is the object of a preposition in the relative clause. The preposition usually precedes “whom.”
Rule 3: “Whom” always refers to people, never to things or animals.
Rule 4: While “whom” is grammatically correct, it is often replaced by “who” in informal speech. However, in formal writing, “whom” is preferred.
Rules for Using “Which”
Rule 1: Use “which” to refer to things or animals, but never to people.
Rule 2: “Which” introduces nonrestrictive clauses, which add extra information but are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. These clauses are set off by commas.
Rule 3: In restrictive clauses (essential to the meaning), “that” is often used instead of “which.”
Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is using “who” when “whom” is required, and vice versa. Another frequent error is using “which” to refer to people. Let’s look at these mistakes and how to correct them.
Mistake 1: Using “who” instead of “whom” when the pronoun is the object of the verb.
- Incorrect: The man who I saw yesterday is my teacher.
- Correct: The man whom I saw yesterday is my teacher.
Mistake 2: Using “who” instead of “whom” when the pronoun is the object of a preposition.
- Incorrect: The person who I gave the book to is my friend.
- Correct: The person to whom I gave the book is my friend.
Mistake 3: Using “which” to refer to people.
- Incorrect: The woman which is standing over there is my mother.
- Correct: The woman who is standing over there is my mother.
Mistake 4: Omitting “that” or “which” in restrictive clauses.
- Incorrect: The book I read was interesting.
- Correct: The book that I read was interesting.
Mistake 5: Using “which” in a restrictive clause instead of “that”.
- Incorrect: The book, which I read, was interesting.
- Correct: The book that I read was interesting.
Avoiding these common mistakes will significantly improve the accuracy and clarity of your writing.
Practice Exercises
Practice is key to mastering the use of “who,” “whom,” and “which.” The following exercises will help you reinforce your understanding and improve your ability to use these pronouns correctly.
Exercise 1: Identifying Correct Pronouns
Choose the correct pronoun (“who,” “whom,” or “which”) to complete each sentence.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The woman ______ lives next door is a nurse. | who |
| 2. The book ______ I borrowed from the library is overdue. | which |
| 3. The man ______ I spoke to was very helpful. | whom |
| 4. The car, ______ is parked outside, is mine. | which |
| 5. The student ______ studies the most will succeed. | who |
| 6. The author, ______ everyone admires, is giving a lecture. | whom |
| 7. The house ______ is on the corner is for sale. | which |
| 8. The person ______ called me was a telemarketer. | who |
| 9. The employee ______ the manager promoted is very talented. | whom |
| 10. The movie ______ we saw last night was fantastic. | which |
Exercise 2: Sentence Completion
Complete each sentence with a relative clause using “who,” “whom,” or “which.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The teacher, ______, is very experienced. | who teaches English, |
| 2. The dog, ______, loves to play fetch. | which is a golden retriever, |
| 3. The student, ______, is always prepared. | whom I admire, |
| 4. The book, ______, is a bestseller. | which I read recently, |
| 5. The doctor, ______, is highly respected. | whom the patients trust, |
| 6. The building, ______, is a historical landmark. | which was built in the 1800s, |
| 7. The artist, ______, has won many awards. | who created that sculpture, |
| 8. The song, ______, is my favorite. | which is playing now, |
| 9. The athlete, ______, is training for the Olympics. | who broke the record, |
| 10. The company, ______, is expanding rapidly. | which I work for, |
Exercise 3: Error Correction
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The woman which is standing there is my sister. | The woman who is standing there is my sister. |
| 2. The man who I gave the book to is my friend. | The man to whom I gave the book is my friend. |
| 3. The car who I bought is red. | The car which I bought is red. |
| 4. The student whom studies hard will succeed. | The student who studies hard will succeed. |
| 5. The movie which we watched, was very long. | The movie that we watched was very long. |
| 6. The person whom I think is the best candidate is John. | The person who I think is the best candidate is John. |
| 7. The house who is painted blue is very old. | The house which is painted blue is very old. |
| 8. The book, that I borrowed, is very interesting. | The book which I borrowed, is very interesting. |
| 9. The employee whom the company hired is highly skilled. | The employee who the company hired is highly skilled. (Correct as is, but formal) |
| 10. The city, which I visited, was amazing. | The city that I visited was amazing. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding more nuanced aspects of “who,” “whom,” and “which” can further refine your grammar skills. These include the use of prepositions and the distinction between “that” and “which.”
Prepositions Before “Who” and “Whom”
In formal writing, prepositions often precede “whom.” In less formal contexts, the preposition can be placed at the end of the clause, and “who” can be used instead of “whom.”
- Formal: The person to whom I spoke was very helpful.
- Informal: The person who I spoke to was very helpful.
When the preposition is essential to the meaning of the sentence, it is generally placed before “whom” in formal writing.
“That” vs. “Which”
While “which” is used to introduce nonrestrictive clauses (clauses that add extra information but are not essential to the sentence’s meaning), “that” is used to introduce restrictive clauses (clauses that are essential to the sentence’s meaning).
- Nonrestrictive: The car, which is parked outside, is mine. (The clause is not essential; it simply adds information.)
- Restrictive: The car that is parked outside is mine. (The clause is essential; it specifies which car.)
Nonrestrictive clauses are set off by commas, while restrictive clauses are not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the use of “who,” “whom,” and “which,” along with detailed answers to help clarify any remaining confusion.
Q1: How can I easily remember when to use “who” vs. “whom”?
A: A simple trick is to substitute “he/she” for “who” and “him/her” for “whom.” If “he/she” sounds correct, use “who.” If “him/her” sounds correct, use “whom.” For example: “Who/Whom is coming to the party?” “He is coming” sounds better than “Him is coming,” so the correct answer is “Who is coming to the party?” Another example: “To who/whom did you give the book?” “To him I gave the book” sounds better than “To he I gave the book,” so the correct answer is “To whom did you give the book?”
Q2: Is it always wrong to use “who” instead of “whom”?
A: In informal speech and writing, using “who” instead of “whom” is often accepted, especially when the preposition is at the end of the sentence. However, in formal writing, it is best to use “whom” when it is the object of a verb or preposition.
Q3: Can I use “which” to refer to people in any circumstances?
A: No, “which” should never be used to refer to people. Use “who” or “whom” when referring to individuals.
Q4: What is the difference between a restrictive and nonrestrictive clause?
A: A restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence and specifies which noun is being referred to. A nonrestrictive clause adds extra information but is not essential to the sentence’s meaning. Nonrestrictive clauses are set off by commas, while restrictive clauses are not.
Q5: When should I use “that” instead of “which”?
A: Use “that” to introduce restrictive clauses (essential clauses) and “which” to introduce nonrestrictive clauses (non-essential clauses).
Q6: Is it ever correct to start a sentence with “whom”?
A: Yes, it is correct to start a sentence with “Whom” when it is a question and “whom” is the object of the verb or preposition. For example: “Whom did you see at the store?” or “To whom should I address this letter?”
Q7: What if I’m unsure whether to use “who” or “whom” in
a complex sentence?
A: Break down the sentence into smaller parts to identify the role of the pronoun. Determine whether the pronoun is the subject or the object of the verb or preposition in its clause. If it’s the subject, use “who”; if it’s the object, use “whom.”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “who,” “whom,” and “which” requires a solid understanding of their functions and the rules that govern their usage. By understanding the definitions, structural breakdowns, and usage rules, and by avoiding common mistakes, you can significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing. Remember to practice regularly with exercises and pay attention to these pronouns in your reading to reinforce your learning. With consistent effort, you can confidently use “who,” “whom,” and “which” to enhance your communication skills.
