Who vs Whom: The He/Him Test

The Trick That Works Every Time

Quick Answer

Who = subject (like he/she). Whom = object (like him/her).

The he/him test: If you can replace it with "him," use "whom." If you'd use "he," use "who." Him ends in M → whoM.

When to Use "Who" (Subject)

Who is the subject—the one DOING the action.

  • Who is calling? → (He is calling) ✓
  • Who wrote this? → (He wrote this) ✓
  • The person who helped me. → (He helped me) ✓
  • Who wants pizza? → (He wants pizza) ✓
  • I know who did it. → (He did it) ✓

When to Use "Whom" (Object)

Whom is the object—the one RECEIVING the action.

  • Whom did you call? → (You called him) ✓
  • To whom it may concern. → (It concerns him) ✓
  • The person whom I met. → (I met him) ✓
  • For whom is this? → (This is for him) ✓
  • Whom should I contact? → (Contact him) ✓

Comparison Chart

Word Role Test Example
Who Subject (does action) he/she → who "Who is there?" (He is)
Whom Object (receives action) hiM → whoM "Whom did you see?" (Saw him)

The He/Him Test (Step by Step)

  1. Rephrase the question as a statement.
  2. Replace who/whom with he or him.
  3. He → who. Him → whom.

Example: "_____ should I ask?"

  • Rephrase: "I should ask _____."
  • Test: "I should ask him." ✓ (Not "I should ask he")
  • Answer: HiM = WhoM. "Whom should I ask?"

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

❌ Incorrect:

"Who did you give it to?"

✓ Correct:

"Whom did you give it to?" (or "To whom did you give it?")

Why? You gave it to him (not he). Him = whom.
❌ Incorrect:

"The person whom called me."

✓ Correct:

"The person who called me."

Why? He called me (not him). He = who.
❌ Incorrect:

"Whom is responsible?"

✓ Correct:

"Who is responsible?"

Why? He is responsible (not him). He = who.

Quick Tips

💡 The M Trick

HiM ends in M. WhoM ends in M. They go together!

✅ After Prepositions

After to, for, with, by, etc.—use "whom." "To whom," "For whom," "With whom."

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "whom" becoming obsolete?

In casual speech, "who" is increasingly used everywhere. But in formal writing, correct "whom" use shows professionalism.

Is ending a sentence with "who" okay?

"Who did you go with?" is technically "Whom did you go with?" In casual speech, the first is fine.

What about "whoever" vs "whomever"?

Same rule! Whoever = subject (he). Whomever = object (him). "Invite whoever wants to come" (he wants).

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