"Who" and "Whom"

Discussion in 'General Chat' started by fryman, Nov 22, 2005.

  1. torunforever

    torunforever Peon

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    #21
    Ok, ok. Let me put it this way. For most examples where "whom" is used you can simply replace the word "who" where it sounds natural.

    I now realize prepositional phrases are a different story. Let's examine your example "By Whom will this tasty burrito be eaten?" I admit it's not a matter of a simple replace, but that's the thing. The entire sentence is formal and elitist-sounding. Most people would say "Who will this tasty burrito be eaten by?" Oh no, it ends in a preposition. Run for the hills!

    Edit: I had claimed my burrito example to be correct usage of "who" but it seems to be incorrect. That's exactly why I usually don't worry about it, and use "who" all the time.
     
    torunforever, Nov 23, 2005 IP
  2. Mister Tut

    Mister Tut Guest

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    #22
    Dont even get me started on the "elitist" thing...;)
     
    Mister Tut, Nov 23, 2005 IP
  3. ROAR

    ROAR Well-Known Member Affiliate Manager

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    #23
    For whom the bell tolls is a really depressing, but well written book.
     
    ROAR, Nov 23, 2005 IP
  4. Crazy_Rob

    Crazy_Rob I seen't it!

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    #24

    It's also a great Metallica song!
     
    Crazy_Rob, Nov 23, 2005 IP
  5. ROAR

    ROAR Well-Known Member Affiliate Manager

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    #25
    Yeah- it is. I saw 2 of the guys from Mettalica at my favorite beach bar in Margarita Island on Christmas day 2000. I didnt talk to them other than- to say Merry Christmas.
    Really chill spot and it would have been so un-cool to bother them.
     
    ROAR, Nov 23, 2005 IP
  6. Hodgedup

    Hodgedup Notable Member

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    #26
    Just use who all the time in order to keep from looking like a tool

    Saying who instead of whom every once in a while is easily forgivable by 96% of the population. Saying whom instead of who makes you look like a jackass.

    Unless you really want to get into the details it's just easier that way. If not then whom is used anytime it's the object of the sentence (direct, indirect, or object of a preposition)

    Who is used when it's the subject of the sentence of the predicate noun.

    However whenever there is a whole clause that is a direct object and contains who/whom you use who if it is the subject of the clause.

    ie: I know who jumped on Mary's back.

    See it's just easier to use who all the time.
     
    Hodgedup, Nov 23, 2005 IP
  7. Mister Tut

    Mister Tut Guest

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    #27
    People used to bust Winston Churchill's balls about ending a sentence with a preposition.

    His response:

    "This prescriptivist grammar is something up with which I will not put!"
     
    Mister Tut, Nov 23, 2005 IP
  8. blackbug

    blackbug Peon

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    #28
    And a terrible Bee Gees one!
     
    blackbug, Nov 25, 2005 IP