Who verses Whom?

by Krishna

Question: I get confused using who and whom
(we now have to meet someone whom you talked to yesterday). Also, can you explain: at and in? Also I'd like to know what "as to where..." means and how to use it . Thanks


I will explain the difference between "who" and "whom". First of all, "whom" is not usually used in informal English. So when you are in an informal setting you can just forget about whom.

If you want to know who someone spoke to you can ask,

Who did you speak to?

If you are in a more formal setting you could ask

Whom did you speak to?

Note that is is very common to place the preposition before whom.

With whom did you speak?



Question 2: "At" verses "in"

This does not have a simple answer because there are many exceptions but generally speaking:

AT: talks about a position at a point.
-It is very cold at the bottom of the ocean
-Turn left at the next intersection

At also talks about meeting points.
- Lets meet at the restaurant
- Lets eat at the small pizza place.

IN: Refers to a position within a larger area (usually the object is surrounded on all sides).
-I sat in my car for an hour.
-I live in Huelva
-I went for a walk in the park

There are so many other situations that you can use "at" and "in". I am looking in my grammar reference book, Practical English Usage by Michael Swan. It has 3 pages of examples
and other situations which are expressions or exceptions. It is a very detailed and helpful resource.

Question 3: What does "as to where..." mean?

When you use the expression "as to where"...it is directly referring to the location or position of something. Usually you talk about something regarding yourself.

I'm going to work here.

Then you talk about someone else.

As to where you are going to work...I don't know.

I could say, "
-As to where you are going to sleep tonight, I have no idea?
-As to where you are going to live after March, we will see.
-As to where you can work this summer, you'll have to ask your boss.

Does that answer your question? If anyone has anything else to add to this explanation don't hesitate to comment. I'd like these question pages to be a "help and be helped" forum.

Would you like an answer without waiting?

You can answer all your grammar questions yourself and in the comfort of your own home?

How? It is simple. Get a copy of
Practical English Usage, by Michael Swan.

I can honestly say that this grammar reference guide is the best I have ever used and I use it daily answering all of your grammar questions; including this question.

Why wait for my answer? When the answer is just a page number away?

Get this book now and start solving your grammar questions!

Click on the image above to buy the book safely and quickly through Amazon.ca

Have a wonderful day everyone!

- Diana :)

Visit the English Grammar section for more Grammar advice.

Visit the Helping You Learn English Home Page

Click here to post comments

Return to ask your grammar questions here..

Still looking?  Search the site for exactly what you need using the site search box below.

Happy exploring!

Share this page:
Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Discover these Amazing ESL Materials!

It's English Time! English Express! 5 Simple Steps to Better Writing! English Harmony 2.0! Pronunciation Power!
Effortless English! Best Accent Training! Ola Zur! English Grammar Revolution! English Success

Sign-up For The Learn English Newsletter

Your E-mail Address
Your First Name (optional)
Then

Don't worry — your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you Learn English Newsletter.