Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use '-ever' words to say 'it doesn't matter which' or 'any at all' without needing a specific noun.
- Add '-ever' to wh-words like what, where, and who to create a sense of 'any' or 'no matter what'.
- Use them as subjects or objects: 'Whatever you decide is fine' (Subject clause).
- Use them as connectors between two ideas: 'I'll follow you wherever you go' (Adverbial clause).
Overview
-ever로 끝나는 복합 관계사(Generalizing Clauses), 즉 whoever, whatever, wherever 등은 문장에 '무제한적인 가능성'과 '일반화'의 뉘앙스를 더해주는 강력한 도구입니다.-ever 절은 문장 내에서 명사 역할을 하느냐 부사 역할을 하느냐에 따라 그 구조와 쓰임이 매우 정교하게 나뉩니다. 단순히 단어의 뜻을 외우는 것을 넘어, 이 문법이 왜 필요한지 이해해야 합니다. 예를 들어, «어떤 사람을 고용하든 상관없어»라는 긴 문장을 Whoever you hire is fine.이라는 짧고 세련된 문장으로 압축할 수 있게 해줍니다.-ever가 붙은 단어들은 기본적으로 '의문사 + ever'의 형태를 띠며, 크게 두 가지 문법적 기능을 수행합니다. 바로 명사절(Nominal Clauses)과 부사절(Adverbial Clauses)입니다.-ever 절은 문장의 주어, 목적어, 또는 전치사의 목적어 자리에 옵니다. 이때의 의미는 any ... that (~하는 것은 누구/무엇이든 다)로 해석됩니다.Whoever(any person who): 정해지지 않은 어떤 사람을 가리킵니다.Whoever broke the window must pay for it.(창문을 깬 사람은 누구든 보상해야 한다. - 주어 역할)You can invite whoever you like.(네가 좋아하는 사람은 누구든 초대해도 좋아. - 목적어 역할)Whatever(anything that): 사물이나 사건, 아이디어를 가리키며, 사람에게는 쓰지 않습니다.I will do whatever it takes to succeed.(성공을 위해서라면 무엇이든 하겠다. - 목적어 역할)Whatever she says is always true.(그녀가 말하는 것은 무엇이든 항상 사실이다. - 주어 역할)Whichever(any one that): 범위가 정해진 선택지 중에서 '어느 것이든'을 의미합니다.Take whichever you prefer.(네가 선호하는 것 어느 것이든 가져가라. - 목적어 역할)
-ever 절은 주절의 내용을 수식하며, 주로 '양보'의 의미를 나타냅니다. 이때는 no matter wh- (~일지라도, 상관없이)로 바꾸어 쓸 수 있습니다.Wherever(no matter where): 장소에 상관없이.Wherever you go, I'll follow you.(네가 어디를 가든, 난 너를 따를 거야.)Whenever(no matter when): 시간에 상관없이, 혹은 ~할 때마다.Whenever I visit Seoul, I go to Namsan.(서울에 갈 때마다/언제 가든, 나는 남산에 간다.)However(no matter how): 가장 주의해야 할 부분입니다. 단순히 '하지만'이라는 접속부사가 아니라, '아무리 ~할지라도'라는 의미의 부사절을 이끕니다. 반드시 뒤에 형용사나 부사가 따라와야 합니다.However hard he tries, he can't pass the exam.(그가 아무리 열심히 노력해도, 시험에 합격할 수 없다.)
-ever 절이 문장의 필수 성분(주어/목적어)인지, 아니면 추가적인 정보를 주는 부사구인지를 명확히 인지해야 문장 구조가 꼬이지 않습니다.Whoever | 명사절/부사절 | Whoever + 동사 또는 Whoever + 주어 + 동사 | Whoever wins the race gets a trophy. |Whatever | 명사절/부사절 | Whatever + (명사) + 주어 + 동사 | Do whatever makes you happy. |Whichever | 명사절/부사절 | 한정된 선택지 강조 (주로 명사 동반) | Choose whichever color you like. |Wherever | 부사절 | Wherever + 주어 + 동사 | Wherever there is light, there is shadow. |Whenever | 부사절 | Whenever + 주어 + 동사 | Call me whenever you arrive. |However | 부사절 (양보) | However + 형용사/부사 + 주어 + 동사 | However fast you run, you're late. |- 1콤마(Comma) 사용법:
-ever 절이 문장의 앞에 올 때는 주절과 분리하기 위해 콤마를 사용합니다. 반대로 주절 뒤에 올 때는 일반적으로 콤마를 쓰지 않습니다.Wherever you are, I will find you.(O)I will find you wherever you are.(O)
- 1
However의 특수성:
However가 '아무리 ~하더라도'라는 의미로 쓰일 때는 반드시 However + 형용사/부사 어순을 지켜야 합니다.- 잘못된 예:
However he is rich...(X) - 올바른 예:
However rich he is...(O)
- 1
WhichevervsWhatever:
Whichever는 선택지가 눈앞에 있거나 이미 언급된 경우(예: 메뉴판의 음식들)에 사용하고, Whatever는 선택의 제한이 없는 경우에 사용합니다.Order whatever you want. It's on me.(원하는 건 뭐든지 시켜. 내가 낼게.)We can meet whenever is convenient for you.(너한테 편한 시간이라면 언제든지 만날 수 있어.)
However difficult the project is, we must finish it by Friday.(그 프로젝트가 아무리 어려울지라도, 우리는 금요일까지 끝내야 합니다.)Whoever complains, the policy will not change.(누가 불평하든 간에, 정책은 바뀌지 않을 것입니다.)
Whoever submits the assignment late will lose points.(과제를 늦게 제출하는 사람은 누구든 감점됩니다.)The system records whatever changes are made to the document.(시스템은 문서에 가해진 어떤 변경 사항이든 기록합니다.)
Whenever I drink coffee late at night, I can't sleep.(밤늦게 커피를 마실 때마다 잠을 못 잔다.)She takes her dog wherever she goes.(그녀는 어디를 가든 강아지를 데리고 간다.)
However의 두 가지 얼굴 혼동하기However(하지만)와 복합 관계사 However(아무리 ~하더라도)를 혼동합니다.- Mistake:
However it is expensive, I will buy it. - Why: 한국어의 '하지만 비싸더라도'를 직역하면서 생기는 오류입니다.
- Correction:
However expensive it is, I will buy it.(양보의 부사절) - Comparison:
It is expensive. However, I will buy it.(접속부사 - 문장 연결)
Whatever를 의문문으로 착각하기-ever가 붙으면 더 이상 질문을 던지는 의문사가 아닙니다. 따라서 문장 끝에 물음표가 붙는 직접 의문문에는 단독으로 쓰이지 않습니다.- Mistake:
Whatever are you doing?(비표준적 표현, 강조를 위해 쓰이기도 하지만 학습 단계에서는 피해야 함) - Correction:
What are you doing?(질문) - Correct Usage:
I don't care whatever you do.(평서문 내의 절)
Whatever 사용하기Whatever를 쓰면 매우 무례하거나 비인격적으로 들릴 수 있습니다.- Mistake:
Whatever wants to join is welcome.(X) - Correction:
Whoever wants to join is welcome.(O) - Context: 사람을 지칭할 때는 반드시
Whoever를 써야 합니다.Whatever를 사람에게 쓰면 그 사람을 사물 취급하는 느낌을 줍니다.
-ever 절 내부에서는 주어나 목적어 중 하나가 반드시 그 역할을 수행해야 합니다.- Mistake:
Whoever wants can come.(X -wants의 목적어나can come의 연결이 모호함) - Correction:
Whoever wants to come is welcome.(O -Whoever wants to come전체가 주어)
-ever 표현은 no matter wh- 구조와 비슷해 보이지만, 문법적 역할에서 결정적인 차이가 있습니다.-ever (Generalizing Clause) | No matter wh- |-ever 부사절로 교체 가능 |- 1명사절 (교체 불가능):
I will give you whatever you need.(O)I will give you no matter what you need.(X - 목적어 자리에 올 수 없음)
- 1부사절 (교체 가능):
Whatever happens, stay calm.(O)No matter what happens, stay calm.(O)
Whichever vs Any:Take any book.(아무 책이나 한 권 가져가 - 단순 선택)Take whichever book you like.(네가 좋아하는 책이라면 그게 어떤 것이든 가져가 - 선택의 자율성 강조)
Whoever와 Whomever는 어떻게 구분해서 써야 하나요?Whoever는 주격, Whomever는 목적격입니다. 예를 들어 Give it to whomever you see가 원칙적으로 맞지만, 현대 영어(특히 구어체)에서는 Whomever 대신 Whoever를 쓰는 것이 일반적입니다. B2 레벨의 에세이 작성 시에는 목적격 자리에 Whomever를 쓰면 더 격식 있게 느껴집니다.Whatever!라고 짧게 말하는 건 어떤 의미인가요?However 뒤에 형용사가 꼭 바로 붙어야 하나요?However + 형용사/부사가 하나의 세트처럼 움직입니다. However he is smart가 아니라 However smart he is라고 해야 한다는 점을 꼭 기억하세요. 이것이 접속부사 However, ...(하지만)와 구분되는 결정적인 열쇠입니다.Wherever 대신 Anywhere를 써도 되나요?Wherever you go는 그 자체로 하나의 절(Clause)이 되어 문장의 일부가 되지만, Anywhere는 보통 부사로 쓰입니다. You can sit anywhere. (부사) vs You can sit wherever you like. (복합 관계사절)의 차이입니다.The '-ever' Word Family
| Word | Refers To | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Whoever
|
People (Subject)
|
Any person who
|
Whoever knows, tell me.
|
|
Whomever
|
People (Object)
|
Any person whom
|
Invite whomever you like.
|
|
Whatever
|
Things/Actions
|
Anything that
|
Do whatever is necessary.
|
|
Whichever
|
Specific Choice
|
Any one of a set
|
Take whichever you prefer.
|
|
Wherever
|
Place
|
Anywhere that
|
Sit wherever you want.
|
|
Whenever
|
Time
|
Any time that
|
Come whenever you can.
|
|
However
|
Manner/Degree
|
In any way that
|
However you do it, do it well.
|
Common Conversational Shortenings
| Full Phrase | Short Form | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
|
It doesn't matter what.
|
Whatever.
|
Can be dismissive or neutral.
|
|
At any time you like.
|
Whenever.
|
Very common in casual plans.
|
|
In any place you like.
|
Wherever.
|
Used when giving freedom of choice.
|
Meanings
A group of compound pronouns and adverbs used to refer to an unknown or non-specific person, thing, or place, often implying that the specific identity is unimportant.
Indifference/Any Choice
Used to express that any option from a set is acceptable or possible.
“Eat whatever you like from the fridge.”
“You can sit wherever there is an empty seat.”
No Matter What/Who/Where
Used to introduce a concessive clause, showing that the main clause remains true regardless of the condition.
“Whatever happens, stay calm.”
“Wherever he goes, he makes friends.”
Sarcastic Indifference
A one-word response used to show that the speaker does not care about what was just said.
“A: 'You're late again!' B: 'Whatever.'”
“I don't care, whatever.”
Unknown Identity
Used when the speaker truly does not know the identity of the person or thing.
“Whoever broke the window must pay for it.”
“I'll buy whatever is cheapest.”
Reference Table
| -ever 단어 | 의미 | 예시 |
|---|---|---|
|
Whoever
|
누구든, 누가 ~하더라도
|
Whoever arrives first can choose the music.
|
|
Whatever
|
무엇이든, 무엇을 ~하더라도
|
You can pick whatever movie you want.
|
|
Wherever
|
어디든, 어디서 ~하더라도
|
I'll meet you wherever is convenient.
|
|
Whenever
|
언제든, 언제 ~하더라도
|
Call me whenever you're free.
|
|
However
|
아무리 ~해도 (형용사/부사 동반)
|
However difficult it seems, keep trying.
|
|
Whichever
|
어느 것이든 (제한된 선택)
|
Choose whichever dessert looks best.
|
격식 수준 스펙트럼
You may select whichever option you deem most appropriate. (Decision making)
You can choose whatever you want. (Decision making)
Pick whatever. (Decision making)
Whatever, man. (Decision making)
포괄적인 -Ever 표현들: 핵심 개념
핵심 의미
- 누구든/무엇이든 상관없음 Indifference to specifics
- 어떤 ~라도 (열린 선택) Open choice/generalization
주요 형태
- Whoever People (subject)
- Whatever Things/situations
- Wherever Places
- Whenever Times
- However Manner/Degree (with adj/adv)
- Whichever Limited choices
문장 내 역할
- 절의 주어 e.g., Whoever calls...
- 절의 목적어 e.g., I'll do whatever...
- 부사절 역할 e.g., wherever you go...
WHATEVER vs. WHICHEVER: 알맞은 '아무거나' 고르기
However: '아무리 ~해도'일까, '하지만'일까?
However 뒤에 바로 형용사나 부사가 오나요? (예: however fast, however difficult)
However가 '하지만/그럼에도 불구하고'처럼 두 문장을 연결하나요?
실전 상황별 WH-EVER 활용법
자유로운 선택과 유연함
- • Order whatever looks good on the menu.
- • Meet whenever works for you.
- • Sit wherever you're comfortable.
강조와 양보
- • However tired you are, you must finish.
- • Whoever objects, the decision stands.
- • Whatever the cost, we need to do it.
무관심과 일반화
- • I'll talk to whoever is available.
- • He believes whatever he reads.
- • Wherever she goes, trouble follows.
제한된 범위 내 선택
- • Choose whichever option suits you best.
- • Pick whichever route is shortest.
- • Take whichever one you prefer.
수준별 예문
Eat whatever you want.
Eat anything you want.
Go wherever you like.
Go to any place you like.
Whoever is next, please come in.
The next person should come in.
Call me whenever.
Call me at any time.
Whatever you do, don't be late.
It doesn't matter what you do, just don't be late.
I will buy whichever one is cheaper.
I will buy the one that costs less money.
Wherever he lives, it is far from here.
His home is far, no matter where it is.
Whoever knows the answer, please speak.
Any person who knows the answer should talk.
You can invite whoever you want to the party.
You have permission to invite any person.
Whenever I see that movie, I cry.
Every single time I watch that movie, I cry.
Whichever path you take, be careful.
Regardless of the road you choose, stay safe.
Whatever the reason, he shouldn't have lied.
The reason is not important; the lie was wrong.
Whatever the outcome of the meeting, we must remain professional.
Regardless of what happens in the meeting, we need to stay professional.
Whoever is responsible for this error needs to fix it immediately.
The person who made the mistake must correct it now.
You may choose whichever of these three options suits you best.
Pick the one option from this specific list that you prefer.
Wherever you may find yourself in ten years, I hope you are happy.
No matter where your life takes you, I wish you happiness.
However much it costs, we have to buy it.
The price is irrelevant; the purchase is necessary.
Whomever the board appoints will have a difficult task ahead.
The person chosen by the board faces a challenge.
Whatever happens to be the case, the facts remain unchanged.
Regardless of the situation, the facts are the same.
Whenever the opportunity arises, one should take it.
One should seize any chance that appears.
Whithersoever they wandered, the echoes of the past followed.
No matter where they traveled, they were haunted by history.
The law applies to all, whoever they may be and whatever their status.
Legal rules are universal, regardless of identity or rank.
He was free to act howsoever he saw fit.
He could act in any way he decided was appropriate.
Whatever the merits of the argument, the delivery was flawed.
Even if the argument was good, the presentation was bad.
혼동하기 쉬운
Learners use 'whatever' for everything, but 'whichever' is required for limited choices.
Learners are unsure when to use the 'm' version.
Learners confuse 'However, I like it' with 'However much I like it'.
자주 하는 실수
What you want is okay.
Whatever you want is okay.
I go where you go.
I go wherever you go.
Who is there can come.
Whoever is there can come.
When you want, call me.
Whenever you want, call me.
Take whatever of these two.
Take whichever of these two.
Whatever he is rich, he is unhappy.
However rich he is, he is unhappy.
I'll find you where ever you are.
I'll find you wherever you are.
Whoever you choose, I'll like them.
Whomever you choose, I'll like them.
Whatever you do? I don't care.
Whatever you do, I don't care.
I will buy whatever is the cheapest.
I will buy whichever is the cheapest.
He can do howsoever he likes.
He can do however he likes.
Whatever the weather will be, we will go.
Whatever the weather is, we will go.
Whomever wants to go can go.
Whoever wants to go can go.
Whatever of the options you pick...
Whichever of the options you pick...
문장 패턴
Whatever ___, I will ___.
You can ___ whichever ___ you prefer.
Whoever ___ must ___.
Wherever you ___, you will find ___.
Real World Usage
A: 'Should we eat pizza or sushi?' B: 'Whatever you want is fine with me!'
I am willing to relocate to wherever the company needs me most.
Whichever plan you choose, you'll get the first month free.
You can hop on or off the bus whenever you like.
The tenant is responsible for any damage whatsoever.
Post whatever makes you happy! #livelife
'No Matter'를 기억하세요
단독으로 쓰는 'Whatever!'는 조심!
However의 두 가지 역할
However difficult it seems, keep trying.
다양한 상황에서의 활용
Whichever vs Whatever
Choose whichever dessert looks best.
Smart Tips
Use 'whichever' to sound more precise and helpful.
Add 'whatsoever' at the end of the sentence.
Always check for the comma after the first clause.
Use 'whenever' or 'whichever' to give the other person the power to choose.
발음
Stress on the second syllable
In all '-ever' words, the primary stress falls on the 'ev' syllable.
The Schwa ending
The final 'er' is usually a weak schwa sound in British English, while the 'r' is pronounced in American English.
Rising-Falling on '-ever'
What-EV-er. ↘
Conveys sarcasm or dismissiveness.
Flat intonation in clauses
Whatever you do, ↗ don't move. ↘
Indicates the first part is a condition for the second.
암기하기
기억법
W-H-E-V-E-R: What, Who, Where, Which, When + EVER = Everything, Everyone, Everywhere, Every choice, Every time.
시각적 연상
Imagine a giant 'Open' sign that works for any person, at any time, in any place. The '-ever' suffix is the key that unlocks all the doors at once.
Rhyme
Wherever you go, whatever you do, whoever you meet, stay true to you.
Story
A traveler arrives in a magical city. The guard says, 'You can eat whatever you find, sleep wherever you land, and talk to whoever you meet. Whenever you are ready to leave, just say whichever word you like.'
Word Web
챌린지
Write three sentences about your dream vacation using 'wherever', 'whatever', and 'whenever'.
문화 노트
The word 'Whatever' became a major cultural catchphrase in the 1990s (popularized by movies like Clueless) to express 'I don't care' or 'Your argument is invalid'. It is still used today but can be seen as very rude if said to an elder or boss.
In legal documents, 'whosoever' and 'whatsoever' are used to ensure there are no loopholes, emphasizing that the rule applies to absolutely everyone and everything.
You might hear 'wherever at' or 'whenever at', though this is non-standard. Generally, '-ever' words are used similarly across all major English dialects.
Derived from Old English 'swa hwa swa' (so who so), which evolved into 'who-so-ever' and finally 'whoever'.
대화 시작하기
If you could travel wherever you wanted right now, where would you go?
What is something you would do whatever the cost?
Whoever is your biggest inspiration, what have they taught you?
Whenever you feel stressed, what is your go-to activity?
일기 주제
자주 하는 실수
Test Yourself
___ you do, don't forget to submit your assignment by midnight.
Find and fix the mistake:
Who ever is responsible for this, needs to fix it immediately.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Llama cuando quieras.'
Answer starts with: ["C...
Score: /4
연습 문제
8 exercisesYou can sit ___ you like in the cinema; it's almost empty.
___ wins the race will receive a gold medal.
Find and fix the mistake:
Whatever of these two books you choose, you will enjoy it.
It doesn't matter what he says, I don't believe him.
1. Whenever, 2. Wherever, 3. Whichever
A: 'When should I call you?' B: '___ is best for you.'
Choose the word for limited sets.
'Whomever' is used as the subject of a sentence.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesThe manager said ___ finishes the report first can leave early.
You can pick what ever flavor you prefer from the ice cream case.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Translate: '네가 뭐라고 하든, 내 마음은 변하지 않아.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
각 단어와 그 용도를 알맞게 연결해 보세요.
You can start the project ___ you feel ready, but don't delay too long.
I don't care what you do, just make sure it's done.
Which of these sentences is correct?
Translate: '네가 어디를 가든, 난 널 따라갈 거야.'
Arrange these words to make a complete sentence:
Take ___ coat you want from the closet; they all fit.
Score: /12
자주 묻는 질문 (8)
No, it depends on the context. In a sentence like `Whatever you want is fine`, it is helpful. As a one-word reply to a question, it is often seen as dismissive.
`Whoever` is a subject (like 'he' or 'she'), while `whomever` is an object (like 'him' or 'her'). In modern English, `whoever` is often used for both in casual speech.
Yes! `Wherever you go, I will follow` is a perfectly correct and common way to structure a sentence.
Use `whichever` when there is a limited number of options (e.g., 'Whichever of these two shirts...'). Use `whatever` when the options are open-ended.
If the '-ever' clause comes at the beginning of the sentence, you usually need a comma before the main clause: `Whatever she says, don't believe her.`
It is very rare and mostly found in legal or very old religious texts. In modern English, just use `however` or `in whatever way`.
Yes, but they express surprise or confusion: `Whatever are you doing?` (meaning 'What on earth are you doing?').
It is an emphatic version of 'at all', usually used in negative sentences: `I have no interest whatsoever.`
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Cualquiera / Quienquiera / Dondequiera
English uses the indicative mood, while Spanish often uses the subjunctive.
N'importe qui / Quiconque / Où que
French uses a phrase ('n'importe quoi') where English uses a single word ('whatever').
Wer auch immer / Was auch immer
German separates the parts ('was auch immer') while English combines them ('whatever').
〜でも (Nandemo, Dokodemo)
Japanese uses particles at the end of the word, whereas English uses a suffix.
أيّما / مهما (Ayyama / Mahma)
Arabic has distinct particles that don't always look like the question words.
无论...都 (Wúlùn... dōu)
Chinese requires a correlative 'dou' in the second clause to complete the meaning.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
관련 동영상
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