The concept is simple: who is a subject pronoun for the subject performing an action, while whom is an object pronoun for the object affected by a verb or preposition. In formal English, choosing the correct phrase enhances writing, credibility, and communication, while in informal English, people sometimes ignore the rule
From my experience, a quick guide or simple guide helps spot this important difference, and a trick like he/she vs him/her test works well. Knowing and understanding this difference ensures polished writing, avoids a wrong decision, and strengthens choices in sentence, language, and overall writing
Detail, pronouns, subject, object, clause, I, he, she, we, they, me, him, her, us, them, and the ability to replace words properly make sense in real-world communication..
Understanding the Basics: Who vs. Whom
Before diving into some of who vs. some of whom, it’s crucial to understand who and whom.
- Who is a subject pronoun. It performs the action in a sentence.
- Whom is an object pronoun. It receives the action.
Think of it this way: who = he/she, whom = him/her. This simple substitution trick helps determine which one to use.
Quick Table for Clarity
| Word | Function | Example |
| Who | Subject | Who called you yesterday? |
| Whom | Object | To whom did you give the book? |
Example in context:
- “She is the teacher who inspires her students.” (Subject)
- “She is the teacher whom the students admire.” (Object)
By understanding this basic rule, you set a solid foundation for using some of whom correctly.
Breaking Down “Some Of Who”
Many writers mistakenly write “some of who”, thinking it sounds more natural. In most cases, this is grammatically incorrect. Why? Because “who” cannot be used as the object of a preposition like “of.”
Common Incorrect Example
❌ “Some of who attended the meeting were late.”
Here, “who” is incorrectly acting as an object of “of.”
Corrected Version
✅ “Some of those who attended the meeting were late.”
Notice how adding “those” makes the sentence grammatically correct. The rule is simple: whenever “of” precedes who, you likely need whom.
Correct Usage: “Some Of Whom”
Now that you know why some of who is wrong, let’s focus on some of whom, which is grammatically correct.
Some of whom is used when the pronoun refers to people as the object of a preposition.
Examples Across Contexts
Academic Writing:
- “The committee interviewed ten candidates, some of whom had prior leadership experience.”
Business Emails:
- “We received several proposals, some of whom were incomplete.”
Everyday Conversation:
- “I met a few new neighbors, some of whom were friendly.”
Using some of whom elevates your writing, making it sound precise and professional.
Read More: Among Others: Meaning, Correct Usage, Grammar Rules, and Real Examples in English
How to Decide Between Who and Whom
Even after learning the rules, choosing between who and whom can feel tricky. Here’s a practical way to decide:
1. The He/Him Test
Replace the pronoun with he or him.
- If he fits, use who.
- If him fits, use whom.
Example:
- “I spoke to several guests, some of whom arrived early.”
- Substitute test: “I spoke to several guests, some of them arrived early.” ✅ Correct
2. Subject/Object Identification
- Ask: is the pronoun performing the action (subject) or receiving it (object)?
By using these simple tests, you can confidently choose the correct form every time.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Writers often trip over these common pitfalls:
- Mistake 1: Using who after of
❌ “Some of who volunteered were late.”
✅ “Some of whom volunteered were late.” - Mistake 2: Skipping “those” when needed
❌ “Some of who called me are my friends.”
✅ “Some of those who called me are my friends.” - Mistake 3: Confusing informal and formal contexts
Remember, whom is formal but still correct in writing.
Tip: When in doubt, run the he/him test or restructure the sentence.
Advanced Examples and Nuances
For writers aiming for precision, mastering subtle nuances is key.
Relative Clauses:
- “The students, some of whom had perfect attendance, received awards.”
Complex Sentences:
- “I spoke to the volunteers, some of whom had traveled long distances, and they were very enthusiastic.”
Punctuation Placement:
- Use commas to separate non-restrictive clauses:
- “We invited ten speakers, some of whom were international experts.”
Mini Exercise for Practice:
- Correct this sentence: “I met several artists, some of who were painters.”
- ✅ Correct: “I met several artists, some of whom were painters.”
Quick Reference Guide
Keep this cheat sheet handy:
- ✅ Correct: Some of whom
- ❌ Incorrect: Some of who
- Variations:
- All of whom
- Many of whom
- Few of whom
Tip: If a preposition like of precedes the pronoun, whom is usually correct.
Conclusion
Using some of whom correctly adds clarity, precision, and professionalism to your writing. Avoid some of who, and remember the he/him test for quick decisions.
Whether writing emails, essays, or articles, mastering this small but powerful grammar rule elevates your style and makes your work easier to read. Practice with different sentences, pay attention to subject and object roles, and soon, choosing the correct form will feel natural.
By following these guidelines, you’ll never hesitate again when deciding between some of who and some of whom.
FAQs
Q1: Can I ever use “some of who”?
Only in very informal contexts, and even then, it’s best avoided. “Some of whom” is standard and correct.
Q2: Is “whom” outdated in modern English?
While less common in speech, whom remains correct in writing, especially formal contexts.
Q3: How do I know when to use who vs. whom in long sentences?
Identify the subject and object. Run the he/him test to verify.
Q4: Are there exceptions in informal writing?
In casual conversations or text messages, many native speakers use who instead of whom, but it’s better to follow standard rules in writing.
Q5: What about variations like “many of whom” or “all of whom”?
The same rules apply. Always ensure whom is the object of a preposition like of.
Alyan Ashraf is the founder of Pure English Guide, a dedicated platform that simplifies English grammar, vocabulary, and writing concepts for learners worldwide. With a strong passion for language education, he creates clear, well-structured, and research-based content that helps students and professionals understand complex grammar rules with confidence. His mission is to make English learning practical, accessible, and easy to apply in real-life communication.