Many academic writers struggle with these two words because modern spoken English often disregards “whom.” However, in formal writing, especially in research publications, using the correct word can enhance clarity and readability while ensuring your work maintains high academic standards.
In this guide, we will break down the rules, provide examples from research papers, and give you practical tips to ensure you never mix up “who” and “whom” again.
Understanding the Core Difference Between "Who" and "Whom"
📌 “Who” is a subject pronoun (like he, she, or they). It refers to the person performing the action.
📌 “Whom” is an object pronoun (like him, her, or them). It refers to the person receiving the action.
Examples:
✔ Who wrote the research paper? (✅ “Who” is correct because “who” is the subject performing the action of “wrote.”)
✔ Whom did the editor select for the peer review process? (✅ “Whom” is correct because “whom” is receiving the action of “select.”)
✔ The researcher who developed this theory later won a Nobel Prize. (✅ “Who” is correct because the researcher is performing the action of “developed.”)
✔ The scientist whom the committee honored had made significant contributions to neuroscience. (✅ “Whom” is correct because “the scientist” is receiving the action of “honored.”)
The "He/Him" Trick: A Quick Way to Get It Right
🔹 If “he” or “she” fits, use who.
🔹 If “him” or “her” fits, use whom.
Example 1:
📌 The researcher (who/whom) won the award has published multiple papers.
➡ Try replacing with “he” or “him”:
✔ He won the award (Correct!)
❌ Him won the award (Incorrect)
✅ Use “who” → The researcher who won the award has published multiple papers.
Example 2:
📌 The professor (who/whom) the students admired was invited to speak.
➡ Try replacing with “he” or “him”:
❌ He the students admired (Incorrect)
✔ Him the students admired (Correct!)
✅ Use “whom” → The professor whom the students admired was invited to speak.
"Who" in Academic Writing (Subject Pronoun)
Examples in Research Papers:
✔ The scholar who discovered this principle was awarded the Fields Medal.
📌 (“Who” is correct because “the scholar” is the subject of the verb “discovered.”)
✔ The patients who participated in the clinical trial showed significant improvement.
📌 (“Who” is correct because “the patients” are performing the action of “participated.”)
✔ The scientist who formulated the hypothesis conducted extensive experiments to support it.
📌 (“Who” is correct because “the scientist” is performing the action of “formulated.”)
"Whom" in Academic Writing (Object Pronoun)
Examples in Research Papers:
✔ The researchers whom the panel selected for the study presented their findings at the conference.
📌 (“Whom” is correct because “the researchers” are the object of the verb “selected.”)
✔ The expert whom we consulted provided critical feedback on our methodology.
📌 (“Whom” is correct because “the expert” is the object of “consulted.”)
✔ The participants whom the committee invited were from diverse academic backgrounds.
📌 (“Whom” is correct because “the participants” are the object of “invited.”)
Special Cases: Interrogative Sentences (Questions)
📌 Use “who” when referring to the subject of the sentence. ✔ Who is responsible for reviewing this manuscript? (✅ “Who” is correct because the person being referred to is performing the action of “is responsible.”)
📌 Use “whom” when referring to the object of the sentence. ✔ Whom should we contact for more information? (✅ “Whom” is correct because “whom” is the object of “should contact.”)
💡 Tip: If you’re unsure, answer the question using “he” or “him.”
❌ Him should we contact? (Incorrect)
✔ We should contact him. (Correct)
✔ ✅ Use whom → Whom should we contact?
"Who" vs. "Whom" in Relative Clauses
📌 Use “who” when the relative clause refers to the subject.
✔ The professor who leads the department is an expert in quantum mechanics.
📌 (“Who” is correct because “the professor” is performing the action of “leads.”)
📌 Use “whom” when the relative clause refers to the object.
✔ The professor whom the students admire is known for her research in AI ethics.
📌 (“Whom” is correct because “the professor” is the object of “admire.”)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
🚫 Mistake 1: Using "Who" Instead of "Whom"
❌ The scientist who the committee recognized received an award.
✅ Correction: The scientist whom the committee recognized received an award.
📌 (“Whom” is correct because “the scientist” is the object of “recognized.”)
🚫 Mistake 2: Using "Whom" Instead of "Who"
❌ The professor whom teaches advanced biochemistry is highly respected.
✅ Correction: The professor who teaches advanced biochemistry is highly respected.
📌 (“Who” is correct because “the professor” is performing the action of “teaches.”)
Final Tips for Academic Writers
✅ Remember that “who” is the subject and “whom” is the object.
✅ Rephrase the sentence if you’re unsure.
✅ In formal writing, correct grammar improves credibility.
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