whom we trust

USAGE SUMMARY

"whom we trust" is a correct and usable phrase in formal written English.
For example: We gathered around the leader whom we trust to make the best decision for our group.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It's not something we do for Amazonians or Yelpers, whom we trust only in numbers.

The New Yorker

"It seems to me to reflect our bias about whom we trust as a storyteller".

The New York Times - Books

I run a business in central London; we work for large companies, all of whom we trust to pay us.

The Guardian - Money

Those whom we trust to look after the national interest must watch what they say and do, lest it seem that the nation's trust has been abused.

The New York Times

So contradictions, inhibitions and confusion among policymakers over nannying are exploited by powerful lobbies, household names like Tesco or VW whom we trust more than we should.

The Guardian

In an ideal world, I'd love to see a system in which we deputize smart reader/commentators whom we trust to post directly, unedited — but then they could lose the privilege if they sank to obscenity and recriminations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

We bartered with people whom we trusted.

TechCrunch

The man in whom we trusted and for whom we rooted, against all odds, is now tarnished with the specter of having won by cheating.

Huffington Post

This debate has become a test of whom we will trust.

The New Yorker

When we're born, we don't immediately know whom we can trust.

The New Yorker

In her guileless behavior and easy acceptance of the kindness of strangers, we are prompted to question our assumptions about whom we should trust, and why.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, use "whom we trust" to convey a sense of formality and precision, especially when referring to individuals in positions of authority or responsibility.

Common error

A common mistake is using "who" instead of "whom" when it's the object of a verb or preposition. Remember that "whom" should be used when it is receiving the action, such as in "those to "whom the task was assigned"".

Linguistic Context

"Whom we trust" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or pronoun to specify which individuals or entities are being referred to. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for formal writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whom we trust" is a grammatically correct and formal phrase used to identify individuals or entities in which confidence and reliance are placed. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate for professional and formal writing. To ensure correct usage, remember that "whom" should be used as the object of a verb or preposition. While alternatives like "people we rely on" exist, "whom we trust" maintains a level of formality suitable for academic, business, and news contexts. It's important to distinguish between "who" and "whom" to avoid common grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persons we believe in

Focuses on belief and conviction in someone's abilities or integrity.

people we rely on

Focuses on the act of reliance rather than trust.

those we have faith in

Emphasizes belief and confidence, often in a broader sense.

individuals we depend on

Highlights dependency, suggesting a stronger need for support.

authorities we recognize

Implies acknowledging someone's expertise or power.

advisors we count on

Focuses on the reliability and dependability of their counsel.

leaders we support

Highlights active backing and endorsement.

counselors we value

Highlights the importance of their advice and support.

figures we admire

Focuses on respect and high regard.

mentors we heed

Emphasizes guidance and following advice.

FAQs

What does "whom we trust" mean?

The phrase "whom we trust" refers to individuals or entities in whom we have confidence, faith, and reliance. It implies a level of dependence and belief in their integrity or capabilities.

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

Use "whom" when it functions as the object of a verb or a preposition in a sentence. For instance, "the person to "whom the letter was addressed"" is correct, whereas "who" would be incorrect.

What can I say instead of "whom we trust"?

You can use alternatives like "people we rely on", "individuals we depend on", or "those we have faith in" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to use "whom" instead of "who"?

Yes, using "whom" is generally considered more formal than using "who". In modern usage, "who" is often used in place of "whom", especially in informal contexts, but "whom" maintains a higher level of formality and precision.