To whom did the cat lick? - briefly
The cat licked its owner.
To whom did the cat lick? - in detail
The question "To whom did the cat lick?" is an intriguing one that delves into the nuances of language and grammar. When examining this query, it's essential to understand the structure and function of words within the sentence.
Firstly, let's break down the components of the question. The phrase "To whom" serves as the interrogative pronoun in this context. It is derived from the combination of the preposition "to" and the relative pronoun "whom," which functions as the object form of the pronoun "who." This structure is used to ask about the recipient or beneficiary of an action, in this case, the act of licking performed by a cat.
The verb "lick" is transitive, meaning it requires an object to complete its meaning. In the given question, "lick" is the main action that the subject (the cat) performs on someone or something else. The use of the past tense "did lick" indicates that the action has already been completed in the past.
The pronoun "whom" is crucial here because it signifies that we are seeking information about the person or entity that was on the receiving end of the cat's action. This object-case pronoun is necessary to correctly form the question and ensure clarity about whom the cat showed affection towards.
In summary, the question "To whom did the cat lick?" is a well-structured inquiry into the past action of a cat directed at an unknown recipient. It utilizes the correct grammatical structure to elicit information about the object of the cat's licking.