Whomever thought vs Whoever thought

Both "whomever thought" and "whoever thought" are commonly used phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. "Whomever thought" is correct when referring to the object of a verb, while "whoever thought" is correct when referring to the subject of a verb. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on whether the pronoun is functioning as the subject or object in the sentence.

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Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 23, 2025 • 5463 views

This phrase is correct when used to refer to the object of a verb.

"Whomever thought "

Use "whomever thought" when the pronoun is functioning as the object of a verb in the sentence.

Examples:

To whomever thought this was a good idea, I disagree.
Whomever thought of that solution deserves credit.

Show examples from the web [+]

God's gonna send his blessings to whomever thought of this!” Mrs. Oliver's grandson, Dexter, receives his primary care at BMC. Dexter's Healthy Steps Specialist ...
Remove. Barbara Verduin VanPatten Love the little Russian dolls on the chair. Whomever thought of this one deserves a raise. 3 · February 19 at 8:00am.
Mar 2, 2015 ... What's a conglomerate with an out-of-favor Los Angeles-area NFL stadium project to do with its chances at pay-dirt sagging by the minute?
A big Thank You! to whomever thought of and implemented this simple and effective partial solution to this long standing problem. History of the problem No ...

Alternatives:

To whoever thought this was a good idea, I disagree.
Whoever thought of that solution deserves credit.

This phrase is correct when used to refer to the subject of a verb.

"Whoever thought"

Use "whoever thought" when the pronoun is functioning as the subject of a verb in the sentence.

Examples:

Whoever thought this was a good idea was mistaken.
Whoever thought of that plan is a genius.

Show examples from the web [+]

Pronoun[edit]. whoever (objective whomever). Whatever person or persons. Whoever thought up that stupid idea? Usage notes[edit]. Who is a subject pronoun.
Whoever thought I'd be the greatest growing up [Verse 2] I can eat a pound and shit sixty four quarters · Burn up fire and drown drops of water · Son, I told you I ...
I'll bet whoever thought of asprin had a wild Friday night. And whoever fired that first pistol didn't like a fair fight. And whoever invented lighters probably smoked ...
Jul 23, 2013 ... *NEW SINGLE* "Whoever Thought of Whiskey" *DOWNLOAD ON ITUNES 7/30/ 13*. Mitch Rossell. SubscribeSubscribedUnsubscribe 32,065 ...

Alternatives:

Whomever thought this was a good idea was mistaken.
Whomever thought of that plan is a genius.

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Whomever thought vs Whoever thought

"Whomever thought "

"Whoever thought"

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