Understanding how to use ‘of whom’ in a sentence can be challenging for English learners and even native speakers. This phrase often appears in more formal writing or speech and may seem outdated to some, but it still holds importance in constructing grammatically correct and refined sentences. While ‘who’ and ‘whom’ are common relative pronouns, ‘of whom’ introduces a possessive or relational element, linking the subject to a group or individual. It is useful in describing people within a group or people to whom something belongs, and it often comes right after a noun it is modifying.
What Does ‘Of Whom’ Mean?
‘Of whom’ is a relative pronoun phrase that refers to people already mentioned and is often used to show a relationship between the group and the person being discussed. It is typically used when the person or people are the object of a preposition like ‘of.’ For example, in the sentence ‘He spoke of several students, all of whom passed the test,’ the phrase ‘of whom’ connects the students (the subject) to the clause ‘all passed the test.’
Grammatical Role of ‘Of Whom’
In terms of grammar, ‘whom’ is the object form of ‘who.’ When paired with ‘of,’ it functions within a prepositional phrase. The phrase ‘of whom’ modifies or adds information about a noun that refers to people, clarifying relationships, ownership, or grouping. It is generally used in formal English and appears more in writing than in everyday conversation.
How to Use ‘Of Whom’ in a Sentence
Using ‘of whom’ properly requires identifying the noun being referenced and determining if it requires a possessive or relational clause. Below are several sentence structures that showcase how ‘of whom’ can be used effectively.
Example Sentences with ‘Of Whom’
- She has three children, two of whom are studying abroad.
- The panel consisted of five judges, all of whom had extensive legal experience.
- There were ten applicants, none of whom met the qualifications.
- The guests, many of whom were celebrities, arrived early for the event.
- We hired new employees, some of whom already had experience in the field.
Understanding the Structure
Let’s break down the structure of a sentence with ‘of whom’:
Subject + relative clause with of whom + verb.
For example: ‘The researchers, several of whom had published books, gave presentations.’
Here, ‘several of whom had published books’ adds information about the ‘researchers.’ The entire clause provides extra detail without changing the main sentence’s core idea.
Common Mistakes with ‘Of Whom’
Many English speakers mistakenly use ‘who’ instead of ‘whom,’ especially when unsure about the object vs. subject roles in a sentence. Remember that ‘whom’ is used when the pronoun is the object of a verb or preposition, such as ‘of.’
Incorrect Usage
- She has three friends, two of who are teachers. â
Correct Usage
- She has three friends, two of whom are teachers. â
The key is recognizing that ‘of’ is a preposition, which always takes the object form ‘whom,’ not ‘who.’
When to Use ‘Of Whom’ vs. Other Constructions
In everyday language, especially informal speech, people often rephrase sentences to avoid using ‘of whom.’ For example:
Informal Version
She has three kids. Two of them study abroad.
Formal Version
She has three kids, two of whom study abroad.
Both are grammatically correct, but the formal version is more concise and elegant, particularly in writing.
Types of Clauses That Use ‘Of Whom’
Restrictive vs. Non-restrictive Clauses
‘Of whom’ typically appears in non-restrictive clauses these are clauses that add extra information and are separated by commas. For example:
‘The donors, many of whom were anonymous, gave generously.’
In contrast, restrictive clauses define or limit the noun more precisely and do not use commas. However, ‘of whom’ rarely appears in restrictive clauses because it usually introduces non-essential details.
Relative Clauses Giving Additional Information
Another common use is in relative clauses that offer additional context:
- We interviewed ten candidates, five of whom spoke three languages.
- He met several historians, one of whom had visited ancient ruins personally.
Tips to Remember ‘Of Whom’ Usage
- Use ‘whom’ when referring to people as the object of a preposition.
- Pair ‘of’ with ‘whom’ when indicating a relationship or belonging.
- Use commas around ‘of whom’ clauses when they provide extra, non-essential information.
- Replace with simpler alternatives in casual writing or speech, such as of them.
Helpful Memory Aid
One trick is to try replacing ‘whom’ with ‘him’ or ‘them.’ If it makes sense, you’re probably using ‘whom’ correctly:
Two of them are teachers â correct, so use ‘two of whom are teachers.’
Why Learning ‘Of Whom’ Matters
Although the use of ‘whom’ and ‘of whom’ is declining in casual speech, mastering these structures will improve your writing skills and make your formal communication more accurate. In academic, professional, and literary writing, using proper relative clauses adds precision and fluency to your sentences. Understanding when and how to use ‘of whom’ correctly helps avoid common grammatical errors and enhances your ability to write with clarity and elegance.
Using ‘of whom’ in a sentence may seem old-fashioned or overly formal at first, but it remains an important part of advanced English grammar. Recognizing its role as part of a relative clause and understanding its proper placement helps writers convey relationships clearly and professionally. As with many elements of grammar, consistent practice and exposure will improve your comfort with ‘of whom’ and similar constructions. Whether you’re drafting an academic essay, writing a formal letter, or editing your prose, knowing how to use ‘of whom’ accurately can elevate the quality of your English writing.