Who gets Whom?

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The word "whom" annoys me. It feels so awkward and archaic, pretentious, and academic. Is there any place for it in modern literature?

Most novel writers seem to use 'who' these days (unless, as you say, the character is academic).

thanks...

so I'm not the only one who wants to out it...

Ummm... no one said that, Magnus - only that it appeared that modern novel writers are not using it. Personally, I find such linguistic anachronisms comforting and familiar, and have no desire for them to be lost.


M.

If they are not using it, perhaps the reason is that they don't like to use it?

The language is changing and evolving. But since they stopped teaching spelling and grammar in public school, no one knows how to use it properly. Just because authors aren't using "whom" does not mean that it's wrong; it means they don't know the difference, and spellcheck doesn't correct grammar or context.

Language changes with culture, it's a fact of life. To stick to an old usage such as Thee or Thy gets annoying. It has nothing to do with education, it has to do with culture.

http://web.ku.edu/~edit/whom.html

I would never say in real life, "Whom can we turn to"?

That just sounds pretentious and awkward.

Seems simple enough - don't use them, and allow others to use the language that makes sense to them.


M.

Yeah, but do I seem dumb for not using it in the proper academic sense?

I really like "whom"! espcially with the "h" heavily aspired.

Well, since you hate the Alchemist, your opinion does not matter.

Reread it with an open mind. I read that book in an hour it was soo good. Don't worry, I won't marry your future son.

I don't think the usage of "whom" is pretentious at all, just formal. It's only awkward because few people use it colloquially.

Yeah, Yeah is probably dumb sounding too. Ah hah!! ! I figured it out, I'm an actress in real life, so just be an actress on the page! Eureka! Thanks guys...