Understanding when to use “who” vs “whom” in scholarly writing can be daunting, but it’s essential for maintaining clarity and professionalism in your work. Let’s break down the rules and provide some practical tips to make this aspect of grammar less intimidating.
Introduction
Importance of Proper Grammar in Scholarly Writing
Proper grammar is crucial in scholarly writing. It ensures your ideas are communicated clearly and professionally. It correctly uses “who” and “whom” as a small but significant part of this.
Overview of “Who” and “Whom”
“Who” and “whom” are pronouns often used to refer to people, but their correct usage depends on their role in a sentence. Understanding these roles will help you use them correctly.
Basic Definitions
What is “Who”?
“Who” is a subject pronoun. It refers to the subject of a sentence—the person acting.
What is “Whom”?
“Whom” is an object pronoun. It refers to the object of a sentence—the person receiving the action.
Grammatical Roles
Subject vs. Object
Understanding Subjects
A subject is a person, place, thing, or idea doing or being something. For example, in the sentence “Who is coming to the meeting?” “who” is the subject because it refers to the person doing the action (coming).
Understanding Objects
An object is the person, place, thing, or idea that receives the verb’s action. For example, in the sentence “To whom should I send this email?”, “whom” is the object because it refers to the person receiving the action (sending).
Examples of Subjects and Objects
- Subject: “Who wrote the paper?”
- Object: “The professor to whom I spoke was helpful.”
When to Use “Who”
“Who” as a Subject
“Who” should be used when referring to the subject of a sentence.
Simple Sentence Examples
- “Who is the author of this book?”
- “Who will attend the conference?”
Complex Sentence Examples
- “The researcher, who conducted the study, presented her findings.”
- “Students who complete the course will receive a certificate.”
When to Use “Whom”
“Whom” as an Object
“Whom” should be used when referring to the object of a sentence.
Direct Object
- “Whom did you invite to the symposium?”
Indirect Object
- “Whom should I give this report to?”
The object of a Preposition
- “With whom are you collaborating on this project?”
Common Mistakes
Misidentifying Subjects and Objects
A common mistake is confusing the roles of subjects and objects. Remember, “who” does the action, and “whom” receives it.
Overcomplicating Simple Sentences
Sometimes, to sound formal, writers overuse “whom.” Stick to the rules to avoid unnecessary complexity.
Ignoring the Formality of Scholarly Writing
In scholarly writing, maintaining formality is essential. Using “whom” correctly enhances this formality.
Practical Tips for Usage
The “He/Him” Test
A simple way to decide whether to use “who” or “whom” is to substitute “he” or “him” in the sentence. If “he” fits, use “who.” If “him” fits, use “whom.”
- “Who wrote the article?” (“He wrote the article.”)
- “To whom did you speak?” (“I spoke to him.”)
Rearranging Sentences
Rearranging the sentence can clarify which pronoun to use. For instance, “The student, whom the teacher praised, worked hard” can be rearranged to “The teacher praised him.”
Practice Exercises
Practice makes perfect. Try rewriting sentences from your work using “who” and “whom” correctly. This will help solidify your understanding.
Tools and Resources
Grammar Checkers
Tools like Grammarly can help identify and correct errors with “who” and “whom.”
Writing Centers
University writing centres offer support and resources for improving grammar.
Online Resources
Websites like Research Prospect and Grammarly’s blog offer comprehensive guides on using “who” and “whom.”
Conclusion
Recap of Key Points
Understanding the difference between “who” and “whom” hinges on recognizing their roles as subject and object pronouns. Using the “he/him” test and practising regularly can significantly improve your usage.
Encouragement to Practice
Mastering this aspect of grammar requires practice. Keep refining your skills, and don’t hesitate to use available resources to help you.
Writer Bio:
Carmen Troy has been the leading content creator for Research Prospect since 2017. He loves to write about the different data collection and analysis methods used in research. Troy has also been lucky enough to work as an editor for BBC.
FAQs
How can I quickly determine whether to use “who” or “whom”?
Use the “he/him” test. Substitute “he” or “him” in the sentence. If “he” fits, use “who.” If “him” fits, use “whom.”
Is it ever acceptable to use “whom” in informal writing?
In informal writing, “whom” is less common and often sounds overly formal. Stick to “who” in casual contexts.
Can “whom” be used at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, “whom” can be used at the beginning of a sentence, typically in questions or relative clauses. For example, “Whom did you meet?”
Are there exceptions to the rules for “who” and “whom”?
While the rules are generally consistent, language is evolving, and strict adherence may vary in some contexts, especially informal ones.
How can I improve my overall grammar skills?
Regular reading, writing, and using grammar resources like style guides and grammar checkers can help improve your grammar skills.
