Anybody got an easy way to explain the proper usage of the words who and whom?

Answer 1

Rule. Use the he/him method to decide which word is correct.
he = who
him = whom
Examples Who/Whom wrote the letter?
He wrote the letter. Therefore, who is correct.

For who/whom should I vote?
Should I vote for him? Therefore, whom is correct.

We all know who/whom pulled that prank.
This sentence contains two clauses: We all know and who/whom pulled that prank. We are interested in the second clause because it contains the who/whom. He pulled that prank. Therefore, who is correct.

Answer 2

First, The basic rules.
1. The word "who" can only be used when it is the subject of a verb.
2. Use "whom" when it is not the subject of a verb.

Next, a trick to make it easy.

Here is the four-step trick for getting these words straight every time:

Step 1: Isolate the clause containing the "who(ever)" or "whom(ever)." (Sentences that ask questions, such ase 4 and 5 above, can have only one clause.)

Step 2: Ignore the part of the sentence that is NOT in the "who(ever)" or "whom(ever)" clause.

Step 3: In place of the word "who(ever)" or "whom(ever)," plug in the words "he" or "him" and see which one sounds better. (Sorry, ladies; we can't use "she" and "her" because "her" doesn't end with an "m," and the trick won't work!)

Step 4: If "he" sounds better, then choose "who(ever)." If "him" sounds better, then choose "whom(ever)." Remember that the "m" words ("him" and "whom") go together.

Let's try the trick on sentence :
" We will give the money to the person who needs it most."

(1) Isolate the "who/whom" clause: We will give the money to the person [who needs it most].

(2) Ignore the rest of the sentence outside the bracketed clause.

(3) Plug in "he" or "him" and see which sounds better: "he needs it most" or "him needs it most"?

(4) Obviously, "he" sounds better, so our choice will be "who."

Answer 3

Who is subjective and whom is objective. Examples:

Who wants pie?
To whom do you wish to give pie?

I think it's one of the most mis-used words on the planet, but that's okay. Who's keeping count? :)

This is a really good question! I'm giving it a thumb-up!

Answer 4

“who” is the subject form of this pronoun and “whom” is the object form. “Who was wearing that awful dress at the Academy Awards banquet?” is correct because “who” is the subject of the sentence.

“The MC was so startled by the neckline that he forgot to whom he was supposed to give the Oscar” is correct because “whom” is the object of the preposition “to.”

Answer 5

I don't know who asked this question or to whom i should address my answer, but i'm giving it a thumbs down, as it is miscategorized.
there, got my point across and answered the question.

Answer 6

Who is the subject. Whom is the .......um.....I forgot. Anyway, Who likes whom is correct. Sorry I butchered this one.

Answer 7

To whom it may concern

Who sings that song?

Answer 8

I always use the I/Me rule...same as the he/him