Definitions
- Used to refer to a person who is the object of a verb or preposition. - Used in formal writing or speech. - Used when referring to someone in a position of authority or importance.
- Used to introduce a defining or restrictive clause. - Used to refer to a specific thing or person. - Used in both formal and informal writing or speech.
List of Similarities
- 1Both are pronouns used to refer to people or things.
- 2Both can be used as relative pronouns to introduce clauses.
- 3Both can be used in formal writing or speech.
- 4Both can be used to clarify or specify a subject or object.
What is the difference?
- 1Function: Whom is used to refer to a person who is the object of a verb or preposition, while that is used to introduce a defining or restrictive clause.
- 2Formality: Whom is more formal than that and is typically used in formal writing or speech, while that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- 3Usage: Whom is less commonly used in everyday language, while that is more versatile and covers a wide range of contexts.
- 4Position: Whom is usually placed after a preposition or verb, while that is placed before a clause.
- 5Clarity: Whom is used to clarify the object of a sentence, while that is used to clarify the subject or object of a clause.
Remember this!
Whom and that are both pronouns used to refer to people or things. However, the difference between whom and that is their function and formality. Whom is used to refer to a person who is the object of a verb or preposition, and is more formal and less commonly used in everyday language. On the other hand, that is used to introduce a defining or restrictive clause, and is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
