Who vs. Whom: What's the Difference?
Quick Answer
who = subject pronoun (like he/she) β performs the action
whom = object pronoun (like him/her) β receives the action
Explanation
WHO (subject)
The one who performs the action
Replace with: he / she
"Who called?" β He called. β
"The man who helped me." β He helped me. β
WHOM (object)
The one who receives the action / after a preposition
Replace with: him / her
"Whom did you call?" β I called him. β
"To whom did you speak?" β I spoke to her. β
The He/Him Test: Answer the question with he/him. If "he" fits β use who. If "him" fits β use whom. (Both end in "m" β whom/him!)
Always use "whom" after prepositions:
to whom, for whom, with whom, from whom, about whom, by whom
Examples
Common Mistakes
Incorrect: Who did the manager hire?
Correct: Whom did the manager hire? (Test: The manager hired him. β him β whom β)
Incorrect: The teacher whom teaches math is kind.
Correct: The teacher who teaches math is kind. (Test: She teaches math. β she β who β)
Practice
Choose the correct word:
"_____ is responsible for this project? And with _____ should I discuss the budget?"