The bell has tolled for ‘whom’

Editor,

The title of Jon Mays’ recent column, “For whom is this column written?” on the loss of “whom” as a strike against clearer communication, was the best evidence for why the word should be retired. Compare that title to “Who’s this column written for?” Is clarity lost or gain with this modern usage?

There were three other usages of “whom” in the column, all of which are less stilted and archaic sounding when “who” is used instead: “To who it may concern,” “Who am I speaking to?” and “teachers like Jim, who I’m grateful for.” No one on the receiving end of those sentences would be befuddled.

Relatively few English speakers understand the correct use of “whom,” and even fewer use it in their everyday speech or writing. Not unlike “thee” and “thou,” it’s time to leave “whom” behind