English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Use relative pronouns: who and whom
Use relative pronouns: who and whom
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define relative pronouns and identify 'who' and 'whom' as such.
Distinguish between the subject and object functions of pronouns within a clause.
Correctly use 'who' as a subject relative pronoun in various sentence structures.
Correctly use 'whom' as an object relative pronoun or after a preposition.
Apply the 'he/him' substitution test to determine the correct usage of 'who' or 'whom'.
Revise sentences to correct errors in 'who' and 'whom' usage, especially in dialogue.
Understand the importance of precise pronoun usage for clear communication.
Ever wonder if you're talking about 'who' or 'whom' when you're quoting someone or describ...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
PronounA word that takes the place of a noun (a person, place, thing, or idea).Instead of saying 'Sarah went to the park,' you can say 'She went to the park.'
Relative PronounA pronoun that introduces a dependent clause (a part of a sentence that can't stand alone) and connects it to an independent clause (a complete sentence).The student *who* answered correctly received a prize.
SubjectThe noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb in a sentence or clause.*He* sings loudly. ('He' is the subject performing the action 'sings'.)
ObjectThe noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb or is affected by a preposition.I saw *him*. ('Him' is the object receiving the action 'saw'.)
WhoA relat...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The 'Who' Rule (Subject Form)
Use 'who' when the pronoun is the subject of the verb in its own relative clause.
Think of 'who' as 'he' or 'she.' If you can replace 'who' with 'he' or 'she' and the clause still makes sense, then 'who' is the correct choice. 'Who' performs the action.
The 'Whom' Rule (Object Form)
Use 'whom' when the pronoun is the object of the verb or the object of a preposition in its own relative clause.
Think of 'whom' as 'him' or 'her.' If you can replace 'whom' with 'him' or 'her' and the clause still makes sense, then 'whom' is the correct choice. 'Whom' r...
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Challenging
A student wrote this dialogue: "That's the girl who I gave my notes to." The teacher says it contains a common error. Which option both corrects the error for formal writing and explains the rule?
A.Correction: '...whom I gave my notes to.' Rule: 'Whom' is used because it is the object of the verb 'gave.'
B.Correction: '...who I gave my notes.' Rule: 'Who' is correct, but the preposition 'to' is unnecessary.
C.Correction: '...whom I gave my notes to.' Rule: 'Whom' is used because it is the object of the preposition 'to.'
D.Correction: '...to who I gave my notes.' Rule: The preposition 'to' must come before the pronoun 'who.'
Challenging
You are writing a story and want a character to sound very intelligent and precise. Which line of dialogue best achieves this through the correct use of 'whom'?
A."I am not sure whom is responsible for this brilliant discovery."
B."The scientist, whom I have admired for years, has finally published her work."
C."Whom, in your opinion, is the person we should ask for help?"
D."Can you tell me whom is the author of this particular quotation?"
Challenging
When citing an expert in an argumentative essay, using 'whom' incorrectly (e.g., "The expert, whom is often quoted...") can weaken your argument. Why?
A.Because it makes the expert seem less intelligent.
B.Because it suggests the evidence is not important.
C.Because grammatical errors can distract the reader and reduce the author's credibility.
D.Because 'whom' is an outdated word that should not be used in modern writing.
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