Understanding the Use of “With Who” vs. “With Whom”
The distinction between “who” and “whom” can often lead to confusion, particularly when combined with prepositions like “with.” This article explores the nuances of these terms, clarifying when to use “with who” and “with whom” in various contexts.
The Role of “Who”
“Who” functions as a subject pronoun in sentences. It is used to refer to the person performing an action. For example, in a sentence like “Who is going to the event?”, “who” is the subject since it represents the person who will attend.
Using “Who” with Prepositions
Typically, “who” is not used after prepositions. However, there are informal contexts where phrases like “with who” may occur in spoken English. For instance, casual conversations may feature expressions such as “Who are you going with?” Although the usage is common in everyday dialogue, it is generally regarded as grammatically incorrect in formal writing.
Understanding “Whom”
Conversely, “whom” serves as an object pronoun. It is appropriate when referring to someone who is the recipient of an action. For example, “To whom should I address the letter?” Here, “whom” indicates the object of the action (addressing the letter).
Correct Usage of “With Whom”
“With whom” is the grammatically correct phrase when including the preposition “with.” This structure is often found in formal communication or writing. For instance, “With whom are you collaborating on this project?” correctly employs “whom” because it acts as the object of the preposition “with.”
Common Misunderstandings
A common misunderstanding arises from the blending of formal and informal language. Many people drop the “m” in “whom” when speaking and replace it with “who,” leading to incorrect usages in writing. It’s essential to understand the differences to maintain grammatical accuracy.
Strategies for Choosing Between “Who” and “Whom”
One effective way to determine whether to use “who” or “whom” is to rephrase the sentence. If the answer to the question requires a subject, “who” is appropriate. Conversely, if the answer requires an object, use “whom.” For instance:
– Question: “____ are you going to the party with?”
– Rephrased: “You are going to the party with ____.”
In this case, the answer would be a noun or pronoun acting as an object, indicating that “whom” is the correct choice.
Practical Examples
To illustrate proper usage, here are a few examples demonstrating both “with who” and “with whom”:
1. Informal: “Who are you going to the concert with?”
(Common in conversation, though not formal)
2. Formal: “With whom are you attending the concert?”
(Grammatically correct for formal settings)
3. Incorrect: “With who do you work?”
(Should be “With whom do you work?”)
FAQ
1. Can “who” ever be used instead of “whom” in formal writing?
Generally, “who” cannot substitute for “whom” in formal writing. Using “who” as an object pronoun can lead to grammatical errors.
2. Is “with who” considered correct in any context?
While “with who” may be heard in casual speech, it is not considered grammatically correct in standard English, particularly in formal writing.
3. How can I practice distinguishing between “who” and “whom”?
One effective method is to consistently practice by writing sentences and testing them with different structures. You can also engage in conversation with reference to grammatical rules, asking and answering questions using both terms.