Multiple choice

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others. The job will be given to whomever they decide is most likely to fit in their working system.

  1. whomever they decide is most likely to fit in

  2. whomsoever they decide is most likely to fit in

  3. whoever they decide is most likely to fit in

  4. whomever they decide most likely to fit

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Explanation for (1): 'Whom' is used in the objective case, whereas who is used where it is supposed to act. The correct usage is 'whoever…is most likely to fit in'.

Explanation for (2): This option compounds the error of relative pronoun in subjective case.

Justification for (3): 'Whom' is used in the objective case, whereas who is used where it is supposed to act. The correct usage is 'whoever…is most likely to fit in'. (5) is incomplete. This option corrects the error.
Explanation for (4): This option compounds the error of relative pronoun in subjective case and is also incomplete. Explanation for (5): 'Whom' is used in the objective case, whereas who is used where it is supposed to act. The correct usage is 'whoever…is most likely to fit in'. (5) is incomplete.