Summer Grammar Lesson: Who and Whom

I apologize for asking you to think during the summer, but I promise this one will be easy AND make you instantly sound smarter. Using the correct form of who and whom in language is something that I've always struggled with. I would always get the two confused, and I could never remember the tricks to getting it right. 


I recently purchased The Only Grammar Book You'll Ever Need, and it did a great job of setting me straight for good. I thought I'd pass on the enlightenment. First I'll explain the logic behind the rule, then I'll give you an easy trick to help you remember which to use when speaking/writing.


The Rule: 
Use who when what you're referring to is the subject of the clause you're working with. Example: Who is coming to dinner? Who is the subject and is coming is the verb.
Use whom when what you're referring to is an object (or an additional part of the sentence that helps it make sense). Example: Whom were you talking to last night? Here, you is the subject and were talking is the verb.


The Trick:
First, look at the sentence or clause that contains the who/whom in question. 


She was concerned with who would be her new boss.


Then, rearrange the clause to form a statement instead of a question (if necessary). 


No rearranging necessary here.


Next, replace the who/whom with he or him. 


He/Him would be her new boss.


If it makes sense to use he, the correct form is who. If it makes sense to use him, the correct form is whom. You can remember this because both hiM and whoM contain M's.


Hopefully this has helped you as much as it has helped me. Good luck!