of whom

USAGE SUMMARY

"of whom" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a pronoun that is used to refer to the previous noun (usually a person) in a sentence. Example: "My father, of whom I am very proud, was an excellent musician."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Make it "of whom".

The New York Times

Some of whom?

Independent

All of whom were men.

Independent

"The self-defense of whom?

The New York Times

"UNAMA is an entity of whom?

The New York Times

We talked, and of whom but Trachi?

The New Yorker

(Each of whom was named Louise).

The New Yorker

One of whom was my father!

The New Yorker

All of whom will greatly miss her.

The New York Times

Zanzibaris, most of whom are moderates, disagree.

The Economist

(Of whom more below).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of whom" to introduce a relative clause when referring back to people, especially in formal writing. It adds a layer of sophistication and precision to your sentences.

Common error

Avoid using "of whom" in informal conversations or writing, as it can sound overly pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "who" or "that" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of whom" functions as a relative pronoun introducing a relative clause. This clause provides additional information about a previously mentioned noun phrase (a person or group of people). Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in referring to people, adding detail and context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of whom" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction in formal English to introduce relative clauses that provide more information about people. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment, and the numerous examples highlight its prevalence across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business writing. While alternatives exist, "of whom" maintains a level of formality and precision suitable for professional communication, though it should be used judiciously in more informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to whom

A more direct and simpler way to phrase the relationship, suitable for many contexts.

regarding whom

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the subject being discussed.

concerning whom

This alternative is similar to "regarding whom" but can imply a more direct relevance.

about whom

A slightly less formal option that directly indicates the topic of discussion about a person.

in respect of whom

This phrase is highly formal and often used in legal or official contexts.

with reference to whom

A formal way of introducing a person who is being mentioned or discussed.

in relation to whom

Highlights a connection or relationship between different people.

from whom

Indicates the source or origin of something related to the person.

by whom

Focuses on the agent performing an action.

on whose part

Indicates the perspective or side of the person involved.

FAQs

How do I use "of whom" in a sentence?

Use "of whom" to introduce a relative clause when referring to people. For example, "The students, all "of whom" were dedicated, excelled in their studies."

What's the difference between "of whom" and "of which"?

"Of whom" refers to people, while "of which" refers to things or places. For instance, "the author, "of whom" I am a fan, is here" versus "the book, "of which" I read a chapter, is here".

When is it appropriate to use "of whom" in writing?

It's best to use "of whom" in formal writing or when aiming for a more sophisticated tone. In informal contexts, using "who" is often sufficient.

Can I replace "of whom" with "whose"?

While both relate to possession or association, they function differently. "Of whom" introduces a relative clause, while "whose" is a possessive pronoun. An example would be: "The candidate, "of whom" many approve, is here", vs. "The candidate whose policies are popular, is here".