For writers, speakers, and English learners, the phrase some of whom versus some of who often causes doubt and hesitation. Some of Whom or Some of Who? Correct Usage (With Clear Examples) helps clear that confusion by showing how small grammar choices affect clarity and credibility. Even with experience, this distinction feels tricky because it sits quietly inside a sentence. Still, the key lies in understanding that grammar rules exist to guide meaning, not complicate it. When you know why one form works and the other doesn’t, your writing becomes more precise and confident without sounding forced or overly formal.
The learning process improves when you focus on real-world examples and notice how the phrase behaves in actual sentences. Some of whom is used when referring to people who function as the object of a clause, which is why it fits naturally in formal English. Some of who, on the other hand, may sound acceptable in casual speech but usually breaks grammatical structure on the page. Paying attention to these subtle details builds clarity step by step. Over time, this awareness shapes better sentence flow, supports a professional tone, and helps you master phrases that once felt confusing.
With years of practice, many learners develop habits that make correct usage feel automatic. A quick review can help spot mistakes, reinforce rules, and highlight small differences that matter. Regularly checking your writing prevents errors from settling in and keeps your language strong and polished. Patience plays a role here. So does repetition. When you focus on plain English, clear logic, and practical usage, the difference between some of whom and some of who stops being a puzzle and starts feeling natural, controlled, and easy to apply in everyday writing.
Understanding “Who” Versus “Whom” in Grammar
At the heart of this confusion sits an old grammar distinction that English never fully let go of. Who and whom come from different grammatical cases.
- Who is a subject pronoun
- Whom is an object pronoun
Think of them like him and him.
You say he runs the company, not he runs the company.
You say I met him not I met him.
The same logic applies here.
The Subjective Case: When to Use “Who”
Use who when the pronoun does the action in a clause.
Examples
- Who called you last night?
- She’s the manager who leads the team.
- These are the writers who shaped modern journalism.
If you can replace who with he, she, or they, you’re on solid ground.
The Objective Case: When to Use “Whom”
Use whom when the pronoun receives the action.
Examples
- Whom did you hire?
- He’s the professor whom students respect.
- She invited several guests, one of whom arrived early.
If he, her, or them fits, whom is correct.
The Quick Test That Works Every Time
When in doubt, stop overthinking and use this fast check.
Rephrase the clause using he/him or they/them.
- If him/them works → use whom
- If he/they works → use who
Example
- Some of ___ were late.
- Some of them were late → some of whom
- Some of ___ arrived early.
- Some of they arrived early ❌
This test never fails.
Why “Some of Whom” Is Correct (And “Some of Who” Isn’t)
The phrase “some of” creates a prepositional phrase.
Prepositions always take object pronouns.
That’s the entire rule.
- of + whom ✅
- of + who ❌
Correct
- Several employees, some of whom work remotely
- The guests, some of whom stayed overnight
- She interviewed ten candidates, some of whom impressed the panel
Incorrect
- Some of who attended the meeting ❌
- Some of who applied early ❌
The word of demands whom, not who.
Prepositions and Pronoun Cases: What You Need to Know
Prepositions quietly control pronouns. Words like:
- of
- to
- for
- with
- from
- by
They all require object forms.
That’s why English allows:
- to whom
- with whom
- for whom
- some of whom
And rejects:
- to who
- with who
- some of who
Once you see the pattern, the confusion disappears.
Quantifiers and Pronouns: Applying the Rule
Phrases like some of, many of, most of, and few of follow the same rule.
Examples
- Many of whom responded quickly
- Few of whom understood the policy
- Several of whom disagreed openly
Each phrase contains a preposition. Each requires whom.
Common Mistakes With “Who” and “Whom”
Even skilled writers slip for a few reasons.
Why people get sloppy
- Spoken English often drops formal case rules
- “Whom” sounds stiff to modern ears
- Complex clauses hide the object role
- Writers focus on meaning instead of structure
Casual speech forgives errors. Professional writing does not.
Untangling Complex Clauses and Sentences
Long sentences create confusion because the pronoun feels far from the verb.
Example
- The committee reviewed the applications from several candidates, some of whom had extensive experience.
Break it down.
- of whom → preposition present
- whom → object
- rule applies cleanly
When sentences grow long, slow down and isolate the clause.
Practical Examples in Real Context
Professional Writing
- The board selected five directors, some of whom served previously.
Academic Writing
- The study surveyed fifty participants, some of whom reported side effects.
Journalism
- Authorities interviewed witnesses, some of whom requested anonymity.
Everyday Use
- I invited ten friends, some of whom couldn’t make it.
Each example follows the same structure. Each stays correct.
When “Some of Who” Might Sound Right (But Isn’t)
Your ear lies sometimes. Especially in speech.
People say:
- Some of who were there disagreed
It sounds natural because conversation favors speed over grammar. Writing demands accuracy. The rule never bends.
Alternative Phrases That Avoid the Issue Entirely
If whom feel heavy, rewrite the sentence.
Clean alternatives
- Some of them
- Several people who
- A few individuals who
- Those who
Example
- The guests, some of whom arrived late
becomes - Some guests arrived late
Clear. Simple. No risk.
Advanced Grammar Insight: Why English Still Keeps “Whom”
English dropped most case endings centuries ago. Whom survived because it still adds clarity in formal writing.
It:
- prevents ambiguity
- clarifies sentence roles
- signals polished control of grammar
That’s why legal, academic, and professional writing still uses it consistently.
Modern Usage Trends You Should Know
- Spoken English rarely uses whom
- Professional writing still expects it
- Academic and legal fields rely on it
- Editing tools often flag mistakes
Knowing the rule lets you choose correctly based on context.
Summary Table: When to Use “Who” vs “Whom”
| Situation | Correct Form |
| Subject of clause | who |
| Object of verb | whom |
| After a preposition | whom |
| After “some of” | whom |
| Replaced by he/they | who |
| Replaced by him/them | whom |
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between some of whom and some of who is crucial for writers, speakers, and English learners. Using these phrases correctly improves clarity, confidence, and writing credibility. By observing grammar rules, paying attention to subtle details, and practicing with real-world examples, you can avoid common mistakes and create precise, polished sentences. Over time, mastering this distinction helps your writing feel natural, professional, and effortlessly clear.
FAQs
Q1. What is the difference between “some of whom” and “some of who”?
Some of whom is used when referring to people as the object of a clause, while some of who is generally informal and often incorrect in formal writing.
Q2. When should I use “some of whom”?
Use some of whom in formal English, professional writing, or any sentence where you are referring to specific people as the object of a clause.
Q3. Can I use “some of who” in casual writing?
Yes, in informal conversations or casual text it can appear, but it is not recommended in professional or academic writing.
Q4. How can I remember which one to use?
Think about whether the people in your sentence are the subject or the object. If they are the object, use some of whom.
Q5. Are there common mistakes with “some of whom” and “some of who”?
Yes, mixing the two in the same document or using some of who in formal writing is a common mistake that can confuse readers and weaken your writing.
I translate “complicated grammar” into simple, visual language that any person can learn fast. I believe English confidence is not about perfection — it’s about clarity and impact. Every guide I publish is designed to help you speak smarter, write sharper, and feel more powerful in English.