Who Else or Whom Else? often confuses writers in English grammar, turning a simple choice into a classic debate about who and whom.
When people talk about this pair, the confusion usually starts in English grammar, which can feel like a minefield where writers feel trapped. I remember the first time I typed whom else in a professional email and immediately felt second-guessed, worried it looked wrong or robotic. I even Googled it, trying to find a quick guide, scrolling through real-world examples for clear thinking and the right tools to help me use it correctly. That search showed me the issue is less about memorizing rules and more about understanding function.
The key is simple. When you’re talking about the subject doing an action, like coming to a meeting, you use who else. When the word works as the object, like asking someone to send a report, whom else may be technically accurate in formal settings. In everyday writing and informal situations, who else is common and perfectly okay in most cases. Over time, with exposure to real conversations, you start picking the right phrasing without overthinking, keeping your tone simple, focused, and natural..
Who Else or Whom Else? The Quick, Clear Answer
Let’s settle it immediately.
- Use who else when the word acts as a subject.
- Use whom else when it functions as an object.
- In everyday American English, who else is overwhelmingly preferred.
Quick Examples
- Who else is coming? ✔ (subject)
- Whom else did you invite? ✔ (object — formal)
- Who else did you invite? ✔ (common modern usage)
Technically, the second sentence is more traditional. Practically, the third one is what most people say.
Why This Question Confuses Even Strong Writers
On the surface, this looks like basic grammar. But three factors make it tricky:
- “Whom” already feels rare.
- Questions flip normal word order.
- Spoken English has mostly abandoned “whom.”
When grammar rules collide with real-life usage, doubt creeps in.
You might think, “I know this,” and then still hesitate. That hesitation isn’t ignorance. It’s the result of language evolving faster than rules.
Understanding the Core Rule: Subject vs. Object
Everything comes down to one distinction.
Subject Pronouns
A subject performs the action.
Examples:
- Who else knows the answer?
- Who else wants to join?
- Who else called you?
In each case, who is doing something.
You could replace “who” with “he” or “she.”
- He knows.
- She called.
If “he” works, use who.
Object Pronouns
An object receives the action.
Examples:
- Whom else should we notify?
- Whom else did she mention?
- To whom else did you speak?
Here, the pronoun receives the action.
You could replace it with “him” or “her.”
- You notified him.
- She mentioned her.
If “him” works, use whom.
The Replacement Test That Never Fails
When deciding between who else or whom else, remove “else” temporarily.
Then test:
- Would you answer him/she?
- Or would you answer him/her?
Example
“___ else did you invite me?”
You would answer: “I invited him.”
Since “him” fits, traditional grammar says use whom.
So technically:
- Whom else did you invite?
But in everyday English, most people say:
- Who else did you invite?
And no one bats an eye.
Does “Else” Change the Rule?
No.
“Else” is simply an adverb meaning in addition or other than.
Remove it:
- Who is coming?
- Whom did you invite?
Add it back:
- Who else is coming?
- Whom else did you invite?
The grammar doesn’t change. “Else” doesn’t interfere with case.
Why Questions Make It Harder
In statements, word order is predictable:
- You invited him.
In questions, the object moves forward:
- Whom did you invite?
The object appears at the beginning, which tricks your ear. You see it first, so it feels like a subject. But it isn’t.
This inversion creates most confusion around who else or whom else.
Real-Life Usage in Modern American English
Here’s the reality: “whom” is fading.
Large language databases like the Corpus of Contemporary American English show that “whom” appears far less frequently than “who,” especially in conversation.
Modern Trends
- Spoken English rarely uses “whom.”
- News articles use it occasionally.
- Academic writing still preserves it.
- Casual writing almost never requires it.
In most everyday contexts, who else sounds natural and confident.
Where “Whom Else” Still Belongs
Even though usage has shifted, “whom else” hasn’t disappeared.
You’ll still see it in:
- Legal documents
- Academic journals
- Formal business correspondence
- Standardized tests
- Carefully edited publications
Example:
“To whom else should this complaint be addressed?”
In formal contexts, precision signals professionalism.
When “Who Else” Is the Better Choice
Use who else when:
- Writing blog posts
- Sending emails
- Texting
- Posting on social media
- Speaking casually
- Creating marketing content
Example:
“Who else should we add to the meeting?”
That sounds natural. Clear. Humans.
Replacing it with “whom else” would feel stiff in most modern settings.
Common Mistakes and Why They Happen
Overcorrecting with “Whom”
Some writers assume “whom” sounds smarter.
It doesn’t. It sounds formal.
Using it in casual contexts can feel forced.
Avoiding “Whom” Entirely
Others eliminate it completely.
That’s usually fine. But in formal writing, removing it can weaken clarity.
Confusion After Prepositions
Prepositions almost always require “whom.”
Examples:
- To whom else did you speak?
- With whom else did she consult?
Saying “to who else” breaks traditional grammar.
Quick Comparison Table
| Context | Recommended Choice | Why |
| Casual conversation | Who else | Natural modern usage |
| Blog writing | Who else | Reader-friendly |
| Academic paper | Whom else (if object) | Formal correctness |
| Legal document | Whom else | Precision matters |
| After preposition | Whom else | Traditional rule |
Formal vs Informal Tone: Audience Changes Everything
Grammar isn’t just structure. It’s social.
Consider tone:
- “Who else should we ask?” feels relaxed.
- “Whom else should we ask?” feels elevated.
Neither is wrong. The audience decides.
In a college thesis, formality matters. In a Slack message, it doesn’t.
Decision Framework: Stop Overthinking
When facing who else or whom else, follow this process:
- Remove “else.”
- Apply the he/him test.
- Consider your audience.
- If it sounds stiff, rewrite.
Sometimes the cleanest solution is restructuring the sentence entirely.
Example:
Instead of:
- “Whom else are you considering?”
Try:
- “Who are you considering besides her?”
Clarity beats rigidity.
Grammar in the Wild: Case Studies
Business Email
“Who else should we copy?”
This is appropriate, professional, and natural.
Academic Essay
“Whom else might this research benefit?”
Formal tone supports traditional grammar.
Legal Writing
“To whom else shall notice be delivered?”
Precision matters here. Formal cases are appropriate.
Social Media
“Who else remembers this show?”
No one expects “whom” in this context.
The Historical Background of “Whom”
Understanding history helps.
Old English had a complex case system. Pronouns changed depending on grammatical role.
Over time:
- Nouns simplified.
- Pronouns retained some case distinctions.
- “Whom” survived while many similar forms disappeared.
Today, English mostly relies on word order instead of case endings. That’s why “whom” feels outdated. The language no longer depends on it the way it once did.
Why Language Evolution Matters
Language changes because speakers change it.
If millions stop using a form, that form weakens.
Consider:
- “Thou” disappeared.
- “Shall” faded in everyday use.
- “Whom” is slowly declining.
Modern grammar reflects usage trends, not just historical rules.
Practical Rewrite Strategies
When unsure, rewrite.
Strategy One: Flip the Sentence
Instead of:
- Whom else did you invite?
Write:
- Who did you invite besides him?
Strategy Two: Use “Anyone Else”
Instead of:
- Whom else should I contact?
Write:
- Should I contact anyone else?
Strategy Three: Remove the Problem
Instead of:
- To whom else should this be sent?
Write:
- Who else should receive this?
Rewriting keeps your tone natural.
Why Overusing “Whom” Can Backfire
Overusing “whom” can:
- Slow reading flow
- Create distance between writer and reader
- Sound pretentious
- Distract from the message
Clear communication always wins.
The Psychology of Grammar Confidence
Hesitation weakens writing.
When you pause mid-sentence to debate case rules, momentum disappears.
Confident writers:
- Know the rule
- Understand context
- Choose clarity
- Move on
That confidence improves tone instantly.
Advanced Insight: Embedded Clauses
Sometimes the confusion hides inside longer structures.
Example:
“Who else do you think we should invite?”
Break it down:
- “We should invite him.”
- So technically: “Whom else do you think we should invite?”
Yet modern English almost universally uses “who” here.
Even careful editors often accept it.
How Editors Handle It Today
Professional editors typically:
- Preserve “whom” in formal writing.
- Allow “who” in conversational contexts.
- Rewrite awkward constructions.
- Prioritize clarity over strict traditionalism.
Grammar is a tool, not a weapon.
Quick Self-Test Section
Try these:
- ___ else is attending?
- ___ else did you recommend?
- To ___ else should this letter go?
Answers:
- Who else (subject)
- Whom else (formal object)
- Whom else (after preposition)
In casual speech, “who” often replaces all three.
Conclusion
Mastering Who Else or Whom Else? comes down to understanding context, grammar, and sentence structure. Who else works when the word is a subject doing the action, and whom else fits when it’s an object receiving the action. Observing real-world examples, practicing in formal and informal writing, and using the right phrasing ensures your sentences stay clear, natural, and professional. Over time, this knowledge eliminates hesitation, prevents robotic or stiff writing, and lets you confidently use the correct form every time.
FAQs
Q1. What is the difference between Who Else and Whom Else?
Who else is used as a subject performing the action, while whom else is used as an object receiving the action in the sentence.
Q2. When should I use Whom Else in a sentence?
Use whom else when referring to the object of a verb or preposition, often in formal or technically accurate writing contexts.
Q3. Can I use Who Else in professional emails?
Yes, who else is often acceptable in professional emails and informal settings as long as it functions as the subject performing the action.
Q4. How can I remember the correct usage of Who Else or Whom Else?
Focus on context: ask whether the person is performing the action (subject) or receiving it (object). Using real-world examples and practice helps solidify memory.
Q5. Is it okay to use Who Else in formal writing?
In some formal writing it’s acceptable, but whom else is preferred when strict grammar rules and technical accuracy are required.
Q6. What common mistakes should I avoid when using Who Else or Whom Else?
Avoid using who else as an object, second-guessing without checking context, and over-relying on spellcheck. Ensure proper subject-object balance in your sentences.
