English Language Arts
Grade 8
15 min
Use relative pronouns: who and whom
Use relative pronouns: who and whom
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify 'who' and 'whom' as relative pronouns introducing dependent clauses.
Distinguish between the nominative case ('who') and objective case ('whom') based on their grammatical function within a relative clause.
Apply the 'he/him' substitution test to accurately determine the correct usage of 'who' or 'whom'.
Construct grammatically correct complex sentences using 'who' and 'whom' to connect ideas smoothly.
Analyze and correct errors in the usage of 'who' and 'whom' in written texts.
Explain the role of 'who' and 'whom' in enhancing sentence clarity and precision in academic writing.
Ever found yourself pausing, pen in hand...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Relative PronounA pronoun (like 'who' or 'whom') that introduces a dependent clause (a relative clause) and connects it to an antecedent (a noun or pronoun) in the main clause, providing additional information.The student *who* aced the test smiled. ('who' connects to 'student')
AntecedentThe noun or pronoun that a relative pronoun refers back to and modifies or describes.The author, *whom* I admire, wrote a new book. ('whom' refers to 'author')
Relative ClauseA type of dependent clause that begins with a relative pronoun and describes or gives more information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause.The teacher *who explained the concept clearly* received praise. (The italicized part is the relative clau...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Rule 1: 'Who' as the Subject
Use 'who' when the relative pronoun functions as the subject of the verb within its own relative clause.
Think of 'who' as 'he,' 'she,' or 'they.' If you can substitute 'he' or 'she' and the sentence still makes grammatical sense within the relative clause, then 'who' is likely correct. 'Who' performs the action.
Rule 2: 'Whom' as the Object
Use 'whom' when the relative pronoun functions as the direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition within its own relative clause.
Think of 'whom' as 'him' or 'her.' If you can substitute 'him' or 'her' and the sentence still ma...
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Challenging
In the context of an argumentative essay, why is choosing the correct pronoun between 'who' and 'whom' important for enhancing sentence clarity and precision?
A.It makes the sentences longer and more complex, which is better for academic writing.
B.It is a rule that has no real impact on meaning but is required by teachers.
C.It clarifies the relationships between people and actions, preventing ambiguity and demonstrating a command of formal language.
D.It ensures the essay will receive a higher grade regardless of the argument's quality.
Challenging
Carefully analyze the following sentence and choose the correct pronoun: 'The CEO, ___ the board of directors, after a long debate, finally selected, will begin next month.'
A.who
B.whom
C.whoever
D.whose
Challenging
A student writes: 'The winner will be the candidate whom performs best under pressure.' Which of the following provides the most accurate and complete explanation of the error?
A.The pronoun should be 'who' because it functions as the subject of the verb 'performs' within the relative clause. The 'he/him' test confirms this: 'he performs best,' not 'him performs best.'
B.The pronoun should be 'who' because it follows the linking verb 'will be,' which requires the nominative case.
C.The pronoun 'whom' is correct because it is the object of the main clause, receiving the action of 'will be.'
D.The pronoun should be 'who' because 'whom' is an outdated word that is no longer used in modern writing.
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