The 'whom' debate

[Red5]

There has been much discussion about the use of the word whom, and whether anyone still uses it, so I thought I'd see what our visitors thought about the subject.

What's your opinion of the current result?

[Red5]

Originally Posted by cutecanute

What's your opinion of the current result?

I'll wait until more than 6 people have voted before I start drawing anything from it; at the moment 50 : 50 doesn't really say much.

It is more than reasonable and safe to say that "whom" does not enjoy any sort of common use in American English conversation.


It is used in the news media. It might even be used for effect. It certainly is not part of everyday speaking in American English in the least. It is safe to say that it might never have been a part of everyday speaking in American English at all in the first place.

Canute,

Considering my comments, what would you say about "whom" in BE?


The word "whom" is not learned communicatively as other grammar words are. The word "whom" has to be taught. This is something to take note of.

Originally Posted by cutecanute

What's your opinion of the current result?

I think the question could, perhaps, be worded differently. "Do you ever use ...." does not speak about the actual use of the word and its presence or lack of presence in conversation. Of course, anyone can answer "yes". For as we know, "whom" is used in writing if it is used at all. - In AE that is anyway.

If someone has written a "to whom it may concern letter" they can answer "yes" in this poll. I'm not sure of the practicality of posing the question in this manner. How will people interpret it?

[RonBee]

I agree that the word ("whom") is used, but it is not used often. You will even hear "to who" occasionally.

8)

[Tdol]

Why not say 'who to' and have done with the problem? ;-0

[RonBee]

Originally Posted by tdol

Why not say 'who to' and have done with the problem? ;-0

Actually, that is heard often. Example: "Who should I give this to?" I have no objection to that, but "to who" doesn't sound right.

8)

[Tdol]

I can't come to terms with 'to who' to be honest- it sticks in the craw, which is my definition of error.

I use 'whom' when I speak. I think the problem with 'whom' is that people don't know when to use it. Even when I can see their faces cringe when they use 'who' instead of 'whom,' they still don't get that whom should go there. It's something that should be taught along with proper grammar in grade school.