GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageHard
A student is writing an argumentative essay and needs to use a pronoun that refers to the object of a verb or preposition. Which sentence correctly uses 'whom'?
- AWho is responsible for this decision?
- BTo whom did you give the keys?
- CWhom do you think will win the election?
- DWhom arrived late to the meeting?
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. To whom did you give the keys?
'Whom' is used as the object of a verb or preposition. In option B, 'whom' is the object of the preposition 'to'. Options A and D incorrectly use 'who' where 'whom' should be used, and option C uses 'whom' where 'who' should be used because 'who' is the subject of 'will win'. A good trick is to substitute 'he/him' or 'she/her': if 'him/her' fits, use 'whom'.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 'Who' is correct here because it is the subject of the verb 'is responsible'.
- C. 'Whom' is incorrectly used; 'who' should be used because it is the subject of the clause 'who will win'. (Do you think he/she will win?)
- D. 'Whom' is incorrectly used; 'who' should be used because it is the subject of the verb 'arrived'. (He/She arrived late.)
Who vs. Whom
'Who' is a subjective pronoun, acting as the subject of a verb or a predicate nominative. 'Whom' is an objective pronoun, acting as the object of a verb or preposition.
- Who = subject (like 'he'/'she').
- Whom = object (like 'him'/'her').
- Use 'whom' after prepositions (e.g., to whom, for whom).
- Test with 'he/him' or 'she/her': if 'he/she' works, use 'who'; if 'him/her' works, use 'whom'.
Memory trick: Who is the subject, whom is the object.