Why Do People Use Who Instead of Whom? The Common Misconception and Its Roots

When it comes to the English language, one of the most challenging aspects for many is mastering the distinction between who and whom. Many people tend to use who wherever whom should be applied, believing that it is somehow more difficult to pronounce. This belief, however, is often a result of confusion rather than an actual pronunciation challenge. Let's delve into why who is used more frequently and the history behind this linguistic phenomenon.

Understanding Who and Whom

Who and whom are both interrogative pronouns in English, but they serve different grammatical roles. Who is the subject of a verb, while whom is the object. This distinction can often be confusing, particularly in casual speech, as the two words sound very similar.

Example Sentences

Who gave it to you? Who did you give it to?

Though who and whom are almost indistinguishable in pronunciation, the choice between them depends on their grammatical function in the sentence. If you substitute pronouns to see if the sentence sounds right, the who/whom test can be helpful.

Common Usage Errors and Casual Speech

Many people, even professional writers, often make the mistake of using who where whom should be used. For example, instead of saying "To whom did you give it?", they might say "Who did you give it to?" This tendency often results from the ease and comfort with which who is used in casual speech.

The Who/Whom Test

A simple way to distinguish between who and whom is the 'Subject or Object' test. Follow these steps:

Replace the pronoun with a personal name. If the sentence still makes sense, use who. Replace the pronoun with a possessive form. If the sentence still makes sense, use whom.

For instance:

Who gave it to you? (True, as "He gave it to you" is correct) Nor whom gave it to you? (False, as "Him gave it to you" is incorrect) Whom did you give it to? (True, as "To him I gave it" is correct) Nor who did you give it to? (False, as "Who did I give it to" is incorrect)

Another useful mnemonic is to consider the sentence without the pronoun and then mentally add the pronoun as either the subject or the object of the verb.

History and Evolution of English Grammar

One of the reasons that who is used more frequently is the long history of English in discarding noun and pronoun case endings. In earlier forms of English, inflections indicated the subject or object role of a noun or pronoun. Over time, these inflections diminished, making it more challenging to distinguish between who and whom.

Even in more formal settings, the use of whom can seem unnecessarily formal and rigid. However, for most English instructors and editors, the correct use of whom is crucial in maintaining proper grammar and clarity.

Rewriting a More Casual Style

In casual speech or writing, it's often more acceptable to use who instead of whom. For instance, instead of saying "To whom did you give it?", you can say "Who did you give it to?" This change makes the sentence sound more natural and less formal.

Many language experts suggest that rather than striving for the perfect usage of whom, it's better to focus on clarity and grammatical correctness. If you find the usage of whom challenging, simply use who and move on. The important thing is to use the pronoun in a context where it makes sense.

Conclusion

While who and whom are fundamental to proper English grammar, the ease with which who is used in casual speech and the historical evolution of English contribute to its dominance in modern usage. By understanding the distinction and practicing correct usage, you can improve your English skills and ensure that your writing remains clear and grammatically sound.