Whom did they pity the cat on? - briefly
The phrase "Whom did they pity the cat on?" is grammatically incorrect in English. A correct version could be: "Who did they pity the cat for?" or "For whom did they feel sorry when seeing the cat?"
Whom did they pity the cat on? - in detail
The phrase "Whom did they pity the cat on?" is an intriguing and somewhat unconventional way of asking about the recipient or object of sympathy in a specific scenario involving a cat. To fully understand this question, let's break it down into its components and analyze each part in detail.
Firstly, consider the verb "pity." In English, to pity someone means to feel sorry for them due to their misfortune or suffering. This emotion is typically directed towards individuals who are perceived as being in a disadvantaged or vulnerable position.
Next, let's examine the noun phrase "the cat." Cats are often seen as independent and self-reliant animals, but they can also be objects of affection and concern, especially when they are ill, injured, or otherwise distressed. In this context, the cat is not just any cat, but a specific feline that has inspired feelings of pity in someone.
The preposition "on" in this sentence is used to indicate the target or recipient of the pity. It suggests that the emotion is being directed towards a particular person or entity, rather than being a general feeling of sorrow for the cat's situation. This usage of "on" is less common in modern English but is still understood in certain contexts, particularly when referring to emotions or actions that are focused on someone else.
Finally, the question word "whom" serves as the subject of the sentence and refers to the person or entity towards whom the pity is being directed. In other words, the speaker wants to know who is the recipient of the sympathy or concern for the cat's well-being.
Putting all these elements together, the question "Whom did they pity the cat on?" can be interpreted as asking for information about the specific individual or group that was the object of someone else's pity towards a particular cat. This could be a person who is known to care deeply for animals, an organization dedicated to animal welfare, or even another animal that has shown concern for the distressed feline.
In summary, this question seeks to identify the recipient of pity directed towards a specific cat, providing insight into the dynamics of sympathy and compassion in a given situation.