To whom it may concern
If Doctor Who were on TV, all would be well and good, but if I were watching him, he wouldn’t suddenly become Doctor Whom. The word ‘whom’ is nothing but trouble. Even though the rules governing its use are not complicated, many people continue to use it inappropriately. Even when you know the rules there is still the occasional sentence where it isn’t clear whether a who or a whom belongs in it. Sometimes whom looks wrong even when it’s right, but never, ever, ever looks right when it’s wrong.I always resist using the word and only give in on the few occasions when its right to be there seems too obvious to deny. I only do it then out of cowardice, not wanting to appear ignorant of correct grammar. Let’s do ourselves a favour and get rid of the clumsy word once and for all; no one would miss it and many would be spared the anxiety of misusing it.
While we’re at it, let’s also outlaw the word ‘genre’, unless French is being spoken, and ‘fora’ as the plural of forum. Sometimes avoiding pretentiousness should take priority over grammar.
Comments (15)
My favourite misuse of whom is 'to whom am I talking to'
I have to accept genre - sigh
Fora? Dear me.
As for genre, I'm a bit meh. I don't care either way.
So I can't get you to sign up for my campaign to get rid of 'whom' then?
It's funny how it was to the store manager, but turned out to be everyone's concern.
Nosey people, but it did say To Whom it may concern.
Harbaaaaaaaaaaal
I could see the word 'aesthetic' sticking in your craw as sell
I'm bigger than to let this come between us.
Be careful now! Don’t roll too far back until you could see your brain!