Who vs. Whom

Question

Hi,Please advise on whether "who" or "whom" is correct in the following sentences:1. [Who/Whom] do you think is the best manager.2. [Who/Whom] do you consider to be the  best manager.I feel it should be "who" in 1. because in reply, one would say, "I think he/she  is the best manager." For 2. I think it should be "whom" as the reply would go like, "I consider him to be the best manager."What's your thinking? Thanks!Calive

Cool Breeze · Accepted Answer

You are right. In informal style who is used in #2 as well. A question mark is needed at the end of both sentences.

CB

BillJ · Answer

CalivePlease advise on whether "who" or "whom" is correct in the following sentences:1. [Who/Whom] do you think is the best manager.2. [Who/Whom] do you consider to be the best manager.I feel it should be "who" in 1. because in reply, one would say, "I think he/she is the best manager." For 2. I think it should be "whom" as the reply would go like, "I consider him to be the best manager."

You're correct, but not quite for the right reason! You see, it's not the reply to a question that determines the case of the pronoun, but the function of the pronoun in the question. Here's how it works:

1."Who do you think [ _ is the best manager?]"

Here, gap is subject of the bracketed subordinate clause and therefore nominative (subjective) "who" is correct.

2."Whom do you [consider _ ] to be the best manager?"

Here, gap is object of the verb "consider", and therefore accusative (objective) "whom" is correct.

Of course, most people informally use "who" in 2, but "whom" is strictly speaking correct.

BillJ

Calive · Answer

Thank you Cool Breeze and BillJ for sharing your insights. I am better off on this issue because of you.

Calive

Who vs. Whom

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