used instead of 'who' as the object of a verb or preposition, used to refer to people in a formal context

Formal and Informal Expressions of whom

In different contexts, you can replace 'whom' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'whom' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'who' is a commonplace synonym.

whom: Explore its Definition & Usage

whom Definition

1used instead of 'who' as the object of a verb or preposition
2used to refer to people in a formal context

Using whom: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "whom" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
Whom did you give the book to?
Example
To whom it may concern, ...
Example
The person whom I saw yesterday was my old friend.

whom Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for whom

Phrases with whom

of whom
used to indicate the person or people to whom something belongs or with whom they are associated
Example
A book of whom I am the author.
with whom
used to indicate the person or people someone is accompanying or sharing something with
Example
He went to the party with whom he had met at the gym.
about whom
used to indicate the person or people who are the subject of a conversation or piece of writing
Example
The article was about a woman whom I had never met.

Origins of whom

Old English 'hwām', dative of 'hwā' (see who)

📌

Summary: whom in Brief

'Whom' [huːm] is a pronoun used instead of 'who' as the object of a verb or preposition, particularly in formal contexts. It is often used in phrases such as 'to whom it may concern' and 'the person whom I saw yesterday.' 'Whom' can also be used in phrases like 'of whom,' 'with whom,' and 'about whom,' which indicate possession, companionship, and subject matter, respectively.