English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Use relative pronouns: who and whom
Use relative pronouns: who and whom
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the relative pronouns 'who' and 'whom' in sentences.
Explain the grammatical function of 'who' as a subject pronoun within a dependent clause.
Explain the grammatical function of 'whom' as an object pronoun within a dependent clause.
Correctly choose between 'who' and 'whom' based on their role (subject or object) in a dependent clause.
Apply the 'He/Him' test as a strategy to determine the correct relative pronoun.
Construct grammatically correct complex sentences using 'who' and 'whom' to connect ideas.
Ever wonder if you should say 'Who is coming?' or 'Whom are you inviting?' 🤔 Getting these right makes your writing sound super smart...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Relative PronounA word that connects a dependent clause (a part of a sentence that can't stand alone) to a noun or pronoun (called the antecedent) in the main part of the sentence. 'Who' and 'whom' are examples.The student *who* won the award smiled.
AntecedentThe noun or pronoun that the relative pronoun refers back to and describes.In 'The student *who* won...', 'student' is the antecedent for 'who'.
SubjectThe noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb in a clause.In 'He runs fast,' 'He' is the subject because 'He' is doing the running.
ObjectThe noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb or is the object of a preposition in a clause.In 'She saw him,'...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Rule for 'Who' (Subject Form)
Use 'who' when the relative pronoun is performing the action (the subject) of the verb in its own dependent clause.
Think: If you can replace the relative pronoun with 'he' or 'she' and the dependent clause still makes sense, then 'who' is correct. 'Who' acts like 'he' or 'she'.
Rule for 'Whom' (Object Form)
Use 'whom' when the relative pronoun is receiving the action (the object) of the verb or is the object of a preposition in its own dependent clause.
Think: If you can replace the relative pronoun with 'him' or 'her' and the dependent clause still makes sense, then 'whom' is correct. 'Whom' acts like ...
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Challenging
The politician, ______ many journalists have interviewed about the new law, will be giving a speech tonight.
A.who
B.whom
C.which
D.that
Challenging
A student is analyzing the sentence: 'She is the one ______ I believe is right for the job.' The student says, 'Since 'I' is the subject of 'believe', the pronoun must be the object, so the answer is 'whom'.' Why is the student's reasoning incorrect?
A.The pronoun is not the object of 'believe'; it is the subject of the verb 'is'.
B.The student is correct; 'whom' is the right answer.
C.The clause 'I believe' should be ignored, and it's a simple subject case.
D.The pronoun is the object of the preposition 'for'.
Challenging
It was the new student from Brazil ______ the team captain chose for the final spot on the roster.
A.who
B.which
C.whom
D.whose
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