For whom do you fear?

[Tamara]

Hi

I know from my own practice – and recently (here) was told it again – that whom isn’t now in everyday use.

But I need to ask something like

For whom do you fear?
(= who is that person you are anxious (in fear) about – about his/her health, life, future, etc)

How to ask it in a 'more right' (and less formal) way?
_________________
It’s impossible to learn swimming without entering the water…

[Yankee]

Hi Tamara

In all but the most excruciatingly formal language, people would usually say "Who do you fear for?"

Just about the only times you'll hear or see the word whom would be:

- grammar books ;)
- tests
- in extremely formal English
- directly after a preposition (but because we like to hang our prepositions on the ends of sentences, this doesn't happen too often in everyday language)

Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Tamara]

Thanks, Amy.
OK. I‘ve got it.

One more question.
If I need to be more specific, can I ask a question in that way (for example):

Whose <health,..> do you fear the most?
(Let’s suppose that we both – the speaker and the listener – understand clearly of whom :) we are talking about (those people I mean).
_________________
It’s impossible to learn swimming without entering the water…