"we prefer someone whom can speak" vs "we prefer someone who can speak"

Question

"we prefer someone whom can speak" vs "we prefer someone who can speak"

The correct phrase is "we prefer someone who can speak." The use of "who" is appropriate when referring to people as the subject of a clause. In this case, the relative pronoun "who" is used to introduce the relative clause describing the person's ability to speak.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

Avoid using "whom" as the subject of a clause. Instead, use "who" when referring to people as the subject.

Use "who" when referring to people as the subject of a clause. In this case, the phrase correctly introduces the relative clause describing the person's ability to speak.

Answer 1

we prefer someone whom can speak

This phrase is incorrect. The use of "whom" is not appropriate in this context. "Whom" is used as the object of a verb or preposition, not as the subject of a clause.

Answer 2

we prefer someone who can speak

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"we prefer someone whom can speak" vs "we prefer someone who can speak"

we prefer someone whom can speak

we prefer someone who can speak

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