Some of Whom or Some of Who: The Complete Grammar Guide You Need 📘✨
Have you ever wondered whether to use “some of whom or some of who” in a sentence and felt confused about which one is correct? This is one of the most common grammar doubts in English writing, especially for learners who want to sound natural and professional.
The confusion happens because both phrases look almost identical and seem correct in everyday speech. However, only one of them follows proper English grammar rules. In formal writing, using the wrong form can make your sentence sound incorrect or less polished, even if the meaning is still understandable.
In this detailed guide, we will clearly explain the difference between some of whom or some of who, when to use each, and why only one form is grammatically accepted. You’ll also see examples, tables, common mistakes, and real-life usage to help you master this rule with confidence 👍
Quick Answer: Some of Whom or Some of Who
The correct form is “some of whom” when referring to people in formal English.
We use “whom” because it functions as the object of a preposition (“of”). The phrase “some of who” is grammatically incorrect in standard English. Instead, always use “some of whom” in written and formal contexts.
👉 Example:
- Correct: I met several teachers, some of whom were very experienced.
- Incorrect: I met several teachers, some of who were very experienced.
Understanding the Basics: Some of Whom vs Some of Who
To understand this rule, we first need to break down the grammar behind it.
🔹 Who vs Whom: The Core Difference
- Who → used as a subject (doing the action)
- Whom → used as an object (receiving the action or following a preposition)
When we say “some of whom”, the word “whom” is the object of the preposition “of”.
📊 Comparison Table
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example | Correct/Incorrect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| some of whom | Correct grammar | Refers to people in object form | Students, some of whom passed, were rewarded. | ✅ Correct |
| some of who | Incorrect usage | Grammatically incomplete structure | Students, some of who passed, were rewarded. | ❌ Incorrect |
Also Read This: Marquee vs Marquis
Correct Meanings & Uses
🔹 Using “Some of Whom” in Relative Clauses
We use “some of whom” to add extra information about people in a group.
✔ Example:
The team included five engineers, some of whom had over 20 years of experience.
👉 Breakdown:
- “The team included five engineers” = main clause
- “some of whom had over 20 years of experience” = relative clause
- “whom” = object of “of”
🔹 Other Variations You Can Use
- some of whom
- many of whom
- few of whom
- all of whom
- several of whom
✔ Example:
She invited ten friends, all of whom attended the party 🎉.
🧠 Test Tip
If you can replace the phrase with “him/her/them”, then use “whom”.
Example:
- I met students. I gave awards to them → “whom”
So:
✔ Students, some of whom received awards, were happy.
Case Study Section 📌
Real-Life Example: Workplace Email
Situation: A manager is reporting team performance.
❌ Incorrect:
We have 12 employees, some of who completed the project early.
✔ Correct:
We have 12 employees, some of whom completed the project early.
Why it matters:
In professional communication, incorrect grammar can reduce credibility. The correct usage improves clarity and professionalism.
Grammar Rules Explanation 📚
The rule comes from traditional English grammar regarding relative pronouns.
- “Who” = subject pronoun (like he/she)
- “Whom” = object pronoun (like him/her)
Since “of” is a preposition, it requires an object. That is why “whom” is correct after “of.”
📖 According to standard grammar references such as Merriam-Webster and Cambridge Grammar, “whom” is used after prepositions in formal English, even though “who” is common in casual speech.
Common Mistakes Section ⚠️
Why People Get Confused
- Fast typing ⌨️
- Autocorrect errors
- Spoken English influence
- Lack of grammar knowledge
Similar Grammar Confusions Table
| Confusion Pair | Correct Form | Incorrect Form | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| it’s / its | it’s = it is | its = possessive | Apostrophe confusion |
| you’re / your | you’re = you are | your = possession | Sound similarity |
| who / whom | whom (object) | who (subject) | Grammar role difference |
| some of whom / some of who | some of whom | some of who | Preposition rule |
Usage in Different Contexts 🌍
🗣 Everyday Conversation
I saw my classmates, some of whom were laughing.
💼 Professional Writing
The project involves five departments, some of whom are working remotely.
✍ Creative Writing
The village was full of elders, some of whom carried stories of old wars.
📱 Social Media / Texting
Met amazing creators today, some of whom inspired me a lot 💡
Why It Matters (Important Section) 🎯
Using correct grammar improves:
- Clarity in communication
- Professional credibility
- Academic writing quality
- Digital communication accuracy
📢 As linguists often say:
“Grammar is the foundation of clear communication.”
Even small errors like “some of who” instead of “some of whom” can change how your writing is perceived.
Special Exception Section 🚨
In modern informal English, especially in speech or casual texting, many people say “some of who.” However:
- It is still considered incorrect in formal grammar
- It should not be used in academic, professional, or official writing
No major standard grammar authority recognizes “some of who” as correct usage.
Quick Recap Checklist ✔️
| Question | If Yes → Use |
|---|---|
| Referring to people? | “whom” |
| Follows a preposition (of)? | “whom” |
| Formal writing? | “some of whom” |
Practice Examples 🧠
- The players, some of ___ were injured, still won the match.
✔ Answer: whom - I met doctors, some of ___ work in rural areas.
✔ Answer: whom - The students, some of ___ passed the test, celebrated.
✔ Answer: whom
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) ❓
1. Is “some of who” ever correct?
No, in standard English grammar, it is incorrect. The correct phrase is “some of whom.”
2. Why do we use “whom” instead of “who”?
We use “whom” because it is the object of a preposition (“of”) in the sentence.
3. Can I use “who” instead of “whom” in speaking?
Yes, in informal spoken English, many people use “who,” but it is not grammatically correct in formal writing.
4. What is the easiest way to remember this rule?
If you can replace the word with “him/her/them,” use “whom.”
5. Is “whom” still used in modern English?
Yes, especially in formal writing, academic texts, and professional communication.
6. What is a simple example of “some of whom”?
The guests, some of whom arrived late, missed dinner.
Conclusion 🏁
Understanding the difference between “some of whom” and “some of who” is essential for clear and correct English writing. The correct form is always “some of whom”, because “whom” is the object of a preposition. While “some of who” may appear in casual speech, it is not accepted in formal grammar.
Mastering this rule helps you improve your academic writing, professional communication, and overall confidence in English. Small grammar details like this can make a big difference in how polished and credible your writing appears.
So next time you write, remember: it’s not just about sounding right—it’s about being grammatically right. ✍️✨
Hi, I’m Matthew Clark, a content writer who loves creating simple and helpful articles. I focus on making grammar and writing easy to understand so readers can learn quickly and improve their skills.
