The Grammar Doctor

who/whom quiz

Use who/whoever as the subject or predicate noun of a clause. Use whom/whomever as direct object or object of a preposition. This is often confusing in dependent clauses particularly. To determine whether to use who or whom, determine the relationship between who/whom and the verb in the clause.

In the sentences below the dependent clauses are in parentheses. The verb is underlined. Look carefully at the clause and decide what the relationship is between who/whom and the verb. Something else that sometimes creates confusion is the fact that often the complement comes before the verb in a dependent clause.

1. This organization gives help to (whoever/whomever requests it.)

2. He didn't remember (who/whom he had seen the night before.)

3. Many people (who/whom have started here) went on to start their own business.

4. They gave the award to (whoever/whomever had the most points at the end.)

5. The organization is open to (whoever/whomever can afford to pay the dues.)

6. She was the one (who/whom he said was the best worker.)

7. He is the man (who/whom some people say is responsible for all of this.)

8. They are going to put the blame on (whoever/whomever is the most vulnerable.)

9. Do you want to know (who/whom I think will win?)

10. (Whoever/whomever comes in first) will win the prize.

11. The police identified the suspect (who/whom they had arrested.)

12. This is the man (who/whom we must see first.)


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