In the International English language testing system (IELTS) test, one of the most common grammar questions that test-takers face is the correct usage of "who" and "whom." Understanding the distinction between these two pronouns is important for achieving a high score in the test's grammar section. While many people struggle with determining when to use "who" and "whom," knowing their proper usage can significantly improve your English language skills. In this blog, we will explore the rules and tips for using "who" and "whom" correctly, to help you improve your grammar proficiency and perform well in the IELTS test.
Who and whom have different roles in sentences. "Who" is like the doer, and "whom" is like the receiver. When you use "who," it's about someone doing something.
For example, "That's the girl who scored the goal." Here, "who" is the subject of "scored" because the girl is doing the scoring.
On the other hand, "whom" is about someone receiving the action.
For example, "Whom do you like best?" Here, "whom" is the object of "like," as it's the person receiving the liking.
In simple terms, "who" does the action, and "whom" receives the action.
Read more: Common grammar mistakes to avoid in IELTS writing test
Here are the common rules you should be aware of when using who or whom in a sentence while giving your IELTS test:
Note: Remember, there's one exception - Always use "whom" after a preposition at the beginning of a sentence or clause.
For example, "To whom did you address that letter?" and "My teacher, for whom I'm doing some research, is currently in a meeting."
The difference between "who" and "whom" is similar to the difference between "I" and "me," "he" and "him," "she" and "her," and so on. "Who" is like "I," "he," and "she" - it's a subject pronoun, representing the person performing the action of the verb.
On the other hand, "whom" is like "me," "him," and "her" - it's an object pronoun, representing the person to/about/for whom the action is being done.
Remember to use "whom" after a preposition, such as "with whom" or "one of whom," instead of "with who" or "one of who."
Using "who" and "whom" correctly can be a bit tricky, but here are some sentence examples with explanations to help you understand their usage:
Who: Use "who" when referring to the subject of a sentence. It represents the person doing the action.
Example: "Who is coming to the party?"
Explanation: In this sentence, "who" is the subject of the verb "is coming." It's asking about the person performing the action of coming to the party.
Whom: Use "whom" when referring to the object of a verb or preposition. It represents the person receiving the action.
Example: "Whom did you invite to the event?"
Explanation: In this sentence, "whom" is the object of the verb "did invite." It's asking about the person who received the action of being invited to the event.
Remember, it's common to use "who" incorrectly in place of "whom," especially in casual speech. However, if you want to adhere strictly to the rules of grammar, "whom" is the correct choice after prepositions and as the object of a verb.
Here's a grammar quiz to test your knowledge of using "who" and "whom" correctly in English sentences. Choose the correct option for each question:
Select “who” or “whom” for each sentence
a) Who b) whom a) who b) whom a) Who b) whom a) Who b) whom a) who a) who So, how many did you score?
Remember, using "who" and "whom" correctly can be challenging, but practice makes perfect. Keep learning and improving your grammar skills! Additionally, if you want to know more about the IELTS test you can visit your nearest IDP IELTS test centres.