who and whom in subordinate clauses

The case of a relative pronoun in a subordinate clause is determined by its function within the subordinate clause it introduces.

As the subject of the clause

The subordinate clause is who collects the most points. The verb of the clause is collects, and its subject is who.

As an object in the clause

When it functions as an object in a subordinate clause, whom appears out of order, before both the subject and the verb. To choose the correct pronoun, you can mentally restructure the clause.

The subordinate clause is whom you will meet later. The subject of the clause is you and the verb is will meet. Whom is the direct object of the verb. The correct choice becomes clear if you mentally restructure the clause: you will meet whom.

As object of a preposition

When functioning as the object of a preposition in a subordinate clause, whom is often separated from its preposition.

Whom is the object of the preposition to. If the correct English seems too formal, drop whom: The tutor I was assigned to. . . .

NOTE:Inserted expressions such as they know, I think, and she says should be ignored in determining whether to use who or whom.

Who is the subject of will hurt, not the object of know.

Exercises:

Pronoun case (who and whom) 1

Pronoun case (who and whom) 2

Pronoun case: review 1

Pronoun case: review 2