Subjective vs Objective Relative Pronouns: Debunking Common Misconceptions

Language is a fascinating and complex system. The use of relative pronouns can sometimes be confusing, especially when distinguishing between subjective and objective forms. While it's natural to see these forms interchangeably in everyday use, there are specific rules to follow for correct usage. This article aims to clarify the differences between subjective and objective relative pronouns, specifically addressing the role of who and whom.

Understanding Subjective and Objective Pronouns

Who is used as a subjective relative pronoun and refers to the subject of a clause. It is used in situations where the pronoun is performing the action of the verb. On the other hand, whom is used as an objective relative pronoun and refers to the object of a verb or preposition, where the pronoun is receiving the action of the verb.

Common Misconceptions and Hypercorrections

It's possible that one may find counterintuitive examples where objective relative pronouns are incorrectly used in situations where they should not be. For instance, in the sentence "Whom shall I say is calling," the objective case “whom” is used, which is a common hypercorrection. This usage is incorrect because the pronoun is actually the subject of the relative clause "is calling," and "is calling" is the real object of the verb "say."

Examples of Hypercorrections

"Whom shall I say is calling" - The correct sentence would be "Who shall I say is calling" because the pronoun "who" refers to the subject of the relative clause "is calling." " "The prize is for whom guesses the correct number of peanuts in the jar" - The correct sentence is "The prize is for whoever guesses the correct number of peanuts in the jar," because "whoever" is the subject of the relative clause "guesses."

These examples highlight the importance of basing pronoun usage on the grammatical function of the pronoun within the clause, not on its position or the verb it appears to be related to.

Correct Usage of Subjective and Objective Pronouns

It is correct to use who in situations where it is the subject of the verb or relative clause. For example:

I do not know who he was going to talk about. (Who is the subject of the clause "he was going to talk about")

On the other hand, use whom when it is the object of a verb or preposition. For example:

I do not know about whom he was going to talk. (Whom is the object of the preposition "about")

Conclusion

The correct use of subjective and objective relative pronouns is crucial for clear and effective communication. By understanding when to use who or whom, you can improve the clarity and correctness of your writing. Always refer to the grammatical function of the pronoun in the context of the sentence, not its position or the verb with which it appears to be associated.