0
Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Whom as a relative pronoun

Here is the problem sentence:

They received a letter regarding who should do what.

I consider "who should do what" to be a relative clause functioning as the direct object of "regarding."

However, some argue the clause should read "whom should do what," which might initially sound more correct but creates an error in the relative clause.

Does anyone have a definitive answer?

Thanks
  

Top answer

" I don't agree. The letter does not regard a particular person; it regards a question. " It's an indirect question -- not a relative clause.

— CalifJim

  • " I don't agree.
  • The letter does not regard a particular person; it regards a question.
  • " It's an indirect question -- not a relative clause.
  • who is the subject of that question so it should not be realized as whom .
  • They received a letter regarding who should do what.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0
AnonymousI consider "who should do what" to be a relative clause functioning as the direct object of "regarding."
I don't agree. The letter does not regard a particular person; it regards a question.

They received a letter regarding the question "Who should do what?"

It's an indirect question -- not a relative clause. who is t
0

Related Questions