WHO OR WHOM

WHO and WHOEVER

Are in the subjective case – this means the word is being used as the subject.

EXAMPLE: Whoever thinks that needs to have a head examination.

EXAMPLE: Did Marcy mention who it was that called at 2:00 a.m.?

WHO OR WHOM

WHOM and WHOMEVER

Are in the objective case – this means the word is being used as an object.

EXAMPLE: “Do not ask for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”

EXAMPLE: Did David think he could give the tickets to whomever he pleased?

WHO OR WHOM – TEST #1

For “who” or “whoever,” substitute he, she or they to see if it makes sense.

For “whom” or “whomever,” substitute him, her or them to see if it makes sense.

EXAMPLE: My father tells the same story to whoever/whomever he meets.

My father tells the same story to she/her.

WHO OR WHOM – TEST #2Add the word “if” before the substituted word.

Then, for “who” or “whoever,” substitute he, she or they to see if it makes sense.

For “whom” or “whomever,” substitute him, her or them to see if it makes sense.

EXAMPLE: I wondered who/whom had voted for Ms. Denali.

I wondered if he/if him had voted for Ms. Denali.