Hello, I'm a grammar expert specializing in formal writing. I've been working with language for years, and I'm here to help you understand the nuances of correct usage.

Let's discuss the difference between "to whom it may concern" and "to who it may concern." The correct phrase is "to whom it may concern."

This difference stems from the grammatical concept of case. Case refers to the form a noun or pronoun takes depending on its function in a sentence. In English, we primarily have three cases: nominative, objective, and possessive.

* Nominative case: The nominative case is used when a noun or pronoun is the subject of a verb. For example: *He* went to the store.
* Objective case: The objective case is used when a noun or pronoun is the object of a verb or preposition. For example: I gave the book *to him*.
* Possessive case: The possessive case is used to show ownership. For example: *His* book is on the table.

In the phrase "to whom it may concern," "whom" is the object of the preposition "to." Therefore, we need to use the objective case, which is "whom."

"Who" is the nominative case and is used when the pronoun is the subject of the verb. For example: "Who is going to the store?"

The phrase "to who it may concern" is grammatically incorrect because it uses the nominative case "who" in place of the objective case "whom."

Here is a breakdown of why "to whom it may concern" is the correct form:

1. **The phrase "to whom it may concern" is a prepositional phrase.** The preposition "to" introduces the phrase, and "whom" is the object of the preposition.
2. **The object of a preposition always takes the objective case.** This is a fundamental rule of English grammar.
3. **The objective case of the pronoun "who" is "whom."**
4. **Therefore, the correct phrase is "to whom it may concern."**

While both phrases are often used in informal settings, the correct usage for formal documents is "to whom it may concern." This phrase is generally used in letters or emails when the recipient is unknown. It's considered more formal and respectful than addressing the recipient as "Dear Sir/Madam."

Let's consider some alternative examples to further illustrate the correct use of "whom" in this type of phrase:

* To whom am I speaking? ("Whom" is the object of the preposition "to.")
* From whom did you receive this letter? ("Whom" is the object of the preposition "from.")

I hope this explanation helps clarify the difference between "to whom it may concern" and "to who it may concern." Remember, always use "whom" when it is the object of a preposition in formal writing.

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"To whom it may concern" is used where the letter is issued for use by someone without regards to who receives it, whether a person, or an institution etc. "Dear Sir or Madam" is a more specific address. Both forms of addressing are used when you don't know their name.read more >>