Background  Subject—the thing that performs the action  Verb—describes an action or occurrence  Object—the thing that is acted upon  Example: Martha threw the ball.  Subject=Martha  Verb=threw  Object=ball

Who  “Who” is a noun  It is used when referring to a subject  It is the subject of the verb

Examples of “Who”Examples of “Who”  Who knocked on the door?  Subject=who  Verb=knocked  Object=door  Martha is the girl who works in the library.  Subject=Martha/who  Verb=works

Whom  “Whom” is also a noun  It is used when referring to an object  It is NOT the subject of the verb

Examples of “Whom”Examples of “Whom”  With whom do you drive to school?  Subject=you  Verb=drive  Object=whom  Whom did they look for?  Subject=they  Verb=look  Object=whom

Shortcuts  If you are unsure if you should use who or whom, try replacing it with he or him.  If the sentence makes sense with he, then use who:  He went to the store=Who went to the store?  If the sentence makes sense with him, then use whom:  That book belongs to him=That book belongs to whom?

Practice Insert who or whom in the blanks to complete the sentences:  ________ went to the store?  She went with _______ to the dance?  To ______ does that shirt belong?  Please check to see _______ is at the front door.  Last time we went out, with _______ did you carpool?  _____ is your babysitter?

Answers  Who went to the store?  She went with whom to the dance?  To whom does that shirt belong?  Please check to see who is at the front door.  Last time we went out, with whom did you carpool?  Who is your babysitter?

Further PracticeFurther Practice  For more examples and practice, see:  Grammar Girl Grammar Girl  Grammar Rules Grammar Rules  Grammar Monster Grammar Monster