a man (whom/who/that) I met

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

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ansonman
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a man (whom/who/that) I met

Post by ansonman »

I have made up the similar examples below.

(1) I had an interesting conversation with a man I met on my last trip to Europe.
(2) I had an interesting conversation with a man that I met on my last trip to Europe.
(3) I had an interesting conversation with a man who I met on my last trip to Europe.
(4) I had an interesting conversation with a man whom I met on my last trip to Europe.

Most of my non-native English speaking friends think (1) and (2) are correct. Why are (3) and (4) wrong? Thank you for your help.
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Alan
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Re: a man (whom/who/that) I met

Post by Alan »

All are possible.

However, #3 is more acceptable/natural to BrE than to AmE speakers, while the reverse is true of #4.
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