All of Whom or All of Which: How to Use These Expressions Correctly?

Understanding the nuances of English grammar can sometimes be tricky, especially for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners. One common area of confusion is knowing when to use all of whom or all of which in sentences. In this article, we will explore the correct usage of these expressions and provide clear examples to help you grasp their meanings.

All of Whom or All of Which: What’s the Difference?

All of Whom “All of whom” is used when referring to people in a group. It is a phrase that indicates the entire group of people being discussed.

Examples of “All of Whom”

1. I invited ten friends to my birthday party, all of whom showed up on time.
2. The team, all of whom are dedicated professionals, won the championship.
3. She introduced me to her family, all of whom greeted me warmly.
4. The candidates, all of whom had impressive resumes, were interviewed yesterday.
5. They hired a new staff, all of whom are highly qualified.

All of Which On the other hand, “all of which” is used when referring to things or objects in a group. It signifies the entirety of the objects being mentioned.

Examples of “All of Which”

1. He bought a dozen eggs, all of which were organic.
2. The books in the library, all of which were written by famous authors, were borrowed by students.
3. They visited several museums, all of which were fascinating.
4. She received many gifts, all of which were thoughtful.
5. The paintings in the gallery, all of which were abstract, attracted a lot of attention.

Key Differences

One key difference between “all of whom” and “all of which” is that the former is used for people, while the latter is used for things or objects. Keeping this distinction in mind will help you use these expressions correctly in your sentences.

All of Whom vs All of Which: Exercises

Now, let’s reinforce what we’ve learned with some practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with either “all of whom” or “all of which” based on whether the sentence refers to people or things.

1. She visited several countries, _____ were in Europe.
2. They hired new employees, _____ have previous experience in the industry.
3. The students in the class, _____ were attentive, received high marks.
4. He bought a few cars, _____ features the latest technology.
5. The guests at the party, _____ arrived early, enjoyed the delicious food.

Answers to Practice Exercises

1. She visited several countries, all of which were in Europe.
2. They hired new employees, all of whom have previous experience in the industry.
3. The students in the class, all of whom were attentive, received high marks.
4. He bought a few cars, all of which features the latest technology.
5. The guests at the party, all of whom arrived early, enjoyed the delicious food.

Conclusion

Understanding when to use “all of whom” and “all of which” can greatly enhance your English language skills. By paying attention to whether you are referring to people or things, you can ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and convey your intended meaning clearly. Keep practicing and soon using these expressions will become second nature to you.