Paul: Job Interviews
Professional Teacher
A question for English students out there! With some controversial advice for you! Do you find the grammar "rules" related to "who" and "whom" rather difficult? Simplistically, "who" is the subject of the verb. It "does" the action. And whom is the object of the verb. It "receives" the action. 1. "Paul is an English teacher WHO is also an accountant." - Subject. Paul is an account. We replaced Paul with who. 2. "Paul has clients to WHOM he gives advice." - Object. The clients receive advice. Now - controversial point: Number 2 sounds ridiculously formal and natives almost never speak like this. Let the lawyers and royal family speak / write like this. As a learner of English, say this: "Paul has clients WHO he gives advice TO". See the changes?
Feb 3, 2023 1:17 PM
Answers · 16
1
As a English learner I just want to say thank you so much, Paul. Your “polemic” post started a really funny controversy. Anyway, I would say that your point of view is a great one.
February 4, 2023
1
Hard disagree my man. Prepositions at the end of sentences? That is something up with which I will not put!
February 3, 2023
1
I second what you are saying Paul. It is what people really say (the majority of the time). The only caveat that I would add is that learners who are taking exams probably need to learn the more formal orthodox official version.
February 3, 2023
1
Yet the solicitors and/or lawyers do speak like that, and I will continually to let them speak like that. Write like that.
February 3, 2023
Why is number 2 "ridiculously" formal?. - Would you feel offended or insulted by a person who speaks that way?. - Do native speakers find it annoying? or it is just your personal viewpoint ?. As a learner I'd like to know that, greetings.
February 3, 2023
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