"Someone who" and "someone whom" are relative pronouns used to introduce clauses that describe a person. "Who" functions as a subject pronoun; "whom" functions as an object pronoun. Use "who" when the person is doing the action; use "whom" when the person is receiving the action.
Relative clauses modify a noun or pronoun by adding descriptive detail. In this case, "someone" is the antecedent-the noun being described. The choice between "who" and "whom" depends on whether the person is the subject or object within the clause.
According to the Modern Language Association (MLA), formal written English requires strict adherence to subject-object distinctions in relative clauses. Misusing "who" and "whom" undermines clarity and credibility in academic and professional writing.
Use "someone who" when the person is performing the action. For example: "I met someone who speaks five languages." Here, "someone" is the subject of the verb "speaks."
Use "someone whom" when the person is affected by the action. For example: "She interviewed someone whom she had known since childhood." In this sentence, "she" is the subject, "interviewed" is the verb, and "someone" is the direct object.
Test the correct form by replacing the pronoun with a standard pronoun. If "he" fits, use "who." If "him" fits, use "whom." For instance:
Many writers default to "who" in all cases, especially in spoken English. This is acceptable in informal contexts but incorrect in formal writing. Using "who" where "whom" is required creates a grammatical error.
A frequent error is misplacing the preposition. For example: "This is the person to who I wrote." Correct: "This is the person to whom I wrote." Prepositions should not be stranded at the end of a clause in formal English.
Another mistake is assuming "whom" is outdated. While "whom" is less common in everyday speech, it remains essential in precise writing. The Associated Press Stylebook confirms that "whom" is still appropriate in formal contexts, particularly in legal, academic, and journalistic writing.
Consider these sentences:
| Correct Usage | Why It's Right |
|---|---|
| "The teacher is someone who inspires students." | "Someone" performs the action (inspires), so "who" is correct. |
| "She is someone whom I trust completely." | "Someone" receives the action (is trusted), so "whom" is correct. |
| "He is the man who saved my life." | Subject role: "who" is correct. |
| "They are people whom we must support." | Object role: "whom" is correct. |
When in doubt, rewrite the sentence using a personal pronoun. Replace "someone who" with "he/she," and "someone whom" with "him/her." If the pronoun is in the subject position (he, she), use "who." If it's in the object position (him, her), use "whom."
People often assume "whom" only appears in formal writing. But it's also used in questions when asking about the object of a verb or preposition.
For example: "To whom did you send the letter?" Here, "to" is a preposition, and "whom" is the object. You cannot say "To who" in formal English.
Even in indirect questions, "whom" may appear: "I don't know whom they invited." Not "I don't know who they invited."
As noted in *The Chicago Manual of Style*, "whom" is required after prepositions in formal writing. This rule applies even in complex constructions.
I once reviewed a job application letter where the candidate wrote: "I am someone who believes in teamwork." This was correct. Later, they wrote: "I am someone whom values integrity." This was incorrect. The verb "values" requires a subject, so "who" was needed.
Corrected version: "I am someone who values integrity." The change improved clarity and professionalism.
Another example: A news report stated, "The suspect is a man whom police are seeking." This is correct because "man" is the object of "seeking." If the report said "a man who is seeking," it would imply the man is doing the searching, which changes the meaning entirely.
Some confuse "someone who" with "anyone who" or "everyone who." These are interchangeable in structure but differ in scope. "Someone who" refers to a single individual. "Anyone who" implies universality.
For example: "I will help anyone who asks." This means help is available to all individuals who make the request. "I will help someone who asks" means help is offered to one specific person who asks.
Also, "someone who" is not interchangeable with "somebody who." Both are correct, but "someone" is slightly more formal. In academic writing, "someone" is preferred.
Before finalizing any sentence with "someone who" or "someone whom," ask:
These steps ensure accuracy in formal writing. Always verify against authoritative style guides such as the MLA Handbook or *The Chicago Manual of Style*.