whom
word
Definition
'Whom' is the object form of 'who'. It refers to the person receiving an action or following a preposition, and it is now mostly used in formal English.
Usage & Nuances
Very formal in modern English. In everyday speech, many speakers use 'who' instead of 'whom', especially at the start of questions. 'Whom' is still common after prepositions in formal writing, as in 'to whom' and 'for whom'. A useful test: if the answer would be 'him/her/them', 'whom' is grammatically correct.
Example Sentences
The man whom I saw was my teacher.
basic
To whom did you give the book?
basic
She is the person whom we called.
basic
Whom should I contact about this problem?
natural
There was only one person whom I could trust.
natural
The candidate, whom everyone expected to win, lost the election.
natural