Question 1

When should I use "whom" instead of "who" in questions?

Accepted Answer

"Whom" is the object form of "who" and is used in formal English when the person is receiving the action, not doing it: "Whom did you invite?" (you invited him/her). In everyday spoken English, most people use "who" in all positions: "Who did you invite?" is perfectly natural. However, "whom" is required after prepositions in formal writing: "To whom it may concern" and "With whom are you travelling?" In examinations, especially Cambridge B2 First, knowing when to use "whom" shows advanced grammar awareness. A helpful test: if the answer is "him" or "her," the question word should be "whom." If the answer is "he" or "she," use "who."

Question 2

How is "how come" different from "why" in English?

Accepted Answer

"How come" and "why" both ask about reasons, but they differ in formality and word order. "Why" is standard and uses question word order with a helper verb: "Why did you leave early?" "How come" is informal and keeps statement word order — no helper verb is needed: "How come you left early?" Notice that "how come" uses "you left" (statement order) not "did you leave" (question order). "How come" is common in spoken English and casual writing, but avoid it in formal essays, business letters, and examinations. If you are unsure which to use, "why" is always the safer choice because it works in every situation, from everyday conversation to academic writing.

Question 3

Why is "whose" commonly confused with "who's"?

Accepted Answer

"Whose" and "who's" sound exactly the same when spoken, which is why so many learners (and native speakers) mix them up. "Whose" is a possessive word meaning "belonging to whom": "Whose umbrella is this?" asks about the owner. "Who's" is a contraction of "who is" or "who has": "Who's ready to leave?" means "Who is ready?" The confusion follows the same pattern as "its" versus "it's" — the possessive form has no apostrophe, while the contraction does. A quick check: expand the contraction in your head. If "who is" or "who has" makes sense, write "who's." If neither works and you mean "belonging to someone," write "whose."

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