English Second Language

Who vs. Whom: When to Use Each One

If you’ve ever gotten stuck wondering whether to use or whom, you’re definitely not alone. Even native speakers slip up on this, so don’t s

Boston English Center
Boston English Center
1 min read


If you’ve ever gotten stuck wondering whether to use or whom, you’re definitely not alone. Even native speakers slip up on this, so don’t stress too much. Here’s a simple way to sort it out.

Who is the subject the one doing the action.

Whom is the object the one receiving the action.

!! Quick trick: If you can swap in he/she, go with who. If him/her fits better, it’s whom, for example:

  • Who/Whom is at the door? → He is at the door → so it’s Who.
  • To who/whom did you give the keys? → I gave them to him → so it’s Whom.

That’s really all there is to it. And here’s a bonus tip: in everyday conversation, most people just use who and it’s perfectly fine. But if you’re writing something formal an email, an essay, or a job application using whom correctly can make you sound extra polished.

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