Using 'whom'...yea or nay??? (sentence, grammar, quote)

[Perfect Stranger]

Don't know what's more annoying - the so-called educated people who don't use it because, thanks to the shambolic American education system, they haven't got the slightest notion of how language works or the so-called educated people who throw it in now and then without rhyme or reason to see if it sticks because, thanks to the shambolic American education system, they haven't got the slightest notion of how language works.

[missik999]

Yea. I use it, both in writing and in speaking.

But it bugs me also when people use it improperly.

[CA4Now]

There's a thread in my state forum entitled, "To Whomever Is Causing this Heat." Why does that sound awkward? Is it correct? Isn't "whom" the subject in this case?

[CA4Now]

"It would be helpful if whomever is going to close these threads would leave a reason." (At least it's not on the writing forum. )

[Dirt Grinder]

Originally Posted by wutitiz

I am no expert on grammar but...

The problem I have with a statement like this is that you are opening yourself up to intense scrutiny. I try to be precise in my speech and writing but I know I will always slip-up somewhere. And the truth of the matter is - if enough people slip-up often enough it becomes the norm. It's a no-win situation - maintain correct usage and you become "dated," use the grammar "du jour" and you are incorrect.

I usually restrict myself (cool - it's that "I myself" form that most use incorrectly) from correcting others as it always comes back to bite me in the end.

BTW - I'm averse to the whole "evolving language" excuse when laziness is the culprit.

And, yes - I know about my use of dashes; it's just my style .

[thisorthat]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

I use "whom"when it's appropriate. I don't see any reason to use "whom" in that letter though.

^^^What he said. I use "whom", but you wouldn't use it considering the way that letter is written.

[in_newengland]

Originally Posted by thisorthat

^^^What he said. I use "whom", but you wouldn't use it considering the way that letter is written.

I'm a she but that's okay.

[stan4]

Was not aware we had a choice.

[North Beach Person]

To whom should we address our answer?

[Rubi3]

Originally Posted by Geography Freak

Don't know what's more annoying - the so-called educated people who don't use it because, thanks to the shambolic American education system, they haven't got the slightest notion of how language works or the so-called educated people who throw it in now and then without rhyme or reason to see if it sticks because, thanks to the shambolic American education system, they haven't got the slightest notion of how language works.

Shambolic? Twice? Educated? Hmm.....