Wh-ever Clauses: Using 'Whatever' and 'Whoever' as Subjects (Nominal Relatives)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'whatever' or 'whoever' to create a whole clause that acts as the subject of your sentence.
- The clause acts as a single noun: 'Whoever arrives first wins.'
- No separate subject is needed: 'Whatever happens is meant to be.'
- The verb after the clause is usually singular: 'Whatever you choose is fine.'
Overview
Whoever means any person. Whatever means any thing.
These words make sentences short. They help you talk better.
How This Grammar Works
Word Order Rules
Formation Pattern
When To Use It
- 1To Express Universality or Generality: Use these clauses when you want to refer to
any personorany thingthat fits a description, without specifying who or what that might be. This is common in rules, proverbs, or general statements.
Whoever arrives late will miss the briefing.(This applies to all individuals, without exception, who are tardy.)Whatever brings you joy is worth pursuing.(This encompasses all possible sources of happiness, not just a specific one.)
- 1To Indicate Indifference or Lack of Specific Concern: When the exact identity or nature is irrelevant to the consequence or outcome,
wh-everclauses effectively communicate this detachment. This is particularly useful in informal communication or when setting broad parameters.
Whoever spilled coffee on the report needs to clean it up.(The focus is on the action and its consequence, not on identifying the person.)Whatever solution you propose must be cost-effective.(The specific nature of the solution is secondary to its adherence to the cost-effectiveness criterion.)
- 1For Conciseness and Elegance: These clauses offer a more compact and often more natural-sounding alternative to explicit noun phrases followed by relative clauses. They remove redundancy and enhance flow, especially in C2-level discourse.
- Instead of:
The person who makes the final decision will be held accountable. - Use:
Whoever makes the final decision will be held accountable.(This is more direct and less formal.)
Common Mistakes
- 1Verb Agreement (The Most Frequent Error): The
wh-everclause, despite potentially referring to multiple individuals or items, always functions as a singular subject for the main verb. The error arises from treating the implied plurality ofwhoever(e.g.,any people) as the grammatical subject.
- Incorrect:
Whoever attends the seminar are expected to sign in. - Correct:
Whoever attends the seminar is expected to sign in.(The clauseWhoever attends the seminaris the singular subject.) - Incorrect:
Whatever changes were implemented have improved efficiency. - Correct:
Whatever changes were implemented has improved efficiency.(The clauseWhatever changes were implementedacts as a singular unit.)
- 1Confusion Between
WhoeverandWhomever: This is a persistent challenge.Whoeveris always the subject of its own internal clause, whilewhomeveris always the object of its internal clause. When the entirewh-everclause serves as the subject of the main sentence, the internalwh-everword will almost exclusively bewhoeverbecause it typically acts as the subject within its own clause.
- Incorrect (as a main subject):
Whomever calls first gets the appointment.(whomevercannot be the subject ofcalls) - Correct:
Whoever calls first gets the appointment.(whoeveris the subject ofcalls) - However, if the
wh-everclause is itself an object,whomevermay appear as the object of its own internal verb or preposition:Give the package to whomever you see first.(whomeveris the object ofseewithin the prepositional phraseto whomever you see first)
- 1Overuse or Misuse for Specificity:
Wh-everclauses convey generality or indifference. Using them when a specific person or thing is known or intended can sound awkward, overly formal, or even dismissive.
- Awkward:
Whoever John mentioned earlier wants to speak with you.(If John explicitly named someone, useThe person John mentioned...or simplyJohn mentioned someone...) - Appropriate:
Whoever left this umbrella here can claim it at the lost and found.(The identity is genuinely unknown.)
Contrast With Similar Patterns
- 1Versus
Who/What(as Interrogative or Relative Pronouns):
- Interrogative Pronouns:
Whoandwhatintroduce direct or indirect questions, seeking specific information. Who called?(Direct question)I asked what she wanted.(Indirect question)- Relative Pronouns (Traditional):
Whoandwhatcan also introduce relative clauses, but these modify an antecedent noun or function as simple nominals.Whatoften meansthe thing that. The person who called left a message.(whomodifiesperson)What he said surprised me.(whatacts asthe thing that, but lacks theanyorno matter whatimplication ofwhatever)- Wh-ever Clauses (Nominal Relatives): These clauses inherently carry the meaning of
anyorno matter, conveying universality or indifference that simplewhatclauses do not.Whatever he said surprised meimpliesno matter what he said, whileWhat he said surprised merefers to a specific, understood utterance.
- 1Versus
The person who.../The thing that...:
- These phrases explicitly introduce an antecedent (
person,thing) followed by a defining relative clause. They imply a specific, albeit perhaps unnamed, individual or item. The person who helped me deserves recognition.(Implies a particular helper.)The thing that broke was the coffee machine.(Refers to a specific broken item.)- Wh-ever Clauses: These are more general and inclusive. They remove the explicit antecedent, making the statement apply to any instance that meets the description. They are more concise and often convey a sense of fluidity or broad scope.
Whoever helped me deserves recognition.(Applies to any helper, emphasizing the action over specific identity.)Whatever broke was replaced immediately.(Emphasizes the any broken item and the immediate action.)
- 1Versus Conditional Clauses (
If anyone...,If anything...):
- Conditional sentences use
ifto establish a hypothetical situation and its consequence. If anyone needs help, they should ask.If anything goes wrong, I'll fix it.- Wh-ever Clauses: These often function as a more concise and grammatically integrated way to express universal conditions. They directly embed the conditional idea into the subject, making the sentence less overtly conditional and more assertive.
Whoever needs help should ask.(More direct thanIf anyone needs help...)Whatever goes wrong, I'll fix it.(A stronger, more confident statement of universal commitment.)
Real Conversations
Wh-ever clauses as subjects are pervasive in contemporary English, appearing in contexts ranging from highly formal to extremely casual. Their utility in expressing universality or indifference makes them a staple of natural discourse, particularly when efficiency and broad applicability are desired. Observing their use in various registers illuminates their communicative power.
- Professional Communications (Email/Meetings):
- Whoever completes the analysis first will present the findings to the team. (Sets a clear, universally applicable rule for task delegation.)
- Whatever needs to be prioritized for the next sprint will be reviewed during the stand-up. (Expresses a commitment to address any high-priority item.)
- Casual Digital Interaction (Texting/Social Media):
- Friend 1: My phone just died. Friend 2: Whoever has a charger, please bring it! (A quick, general request to anyone with the necessary item, without needing to know specific names.)
- Social Media Post: Just moved to a new city. Whatever comes my way, I'm ready for it! (A statement of open-mindedness and readiness for any future experience.)
- Everyday Situations (Planning/Giving Instructions):
- Whoever wants coffee should head to the kitchen now. (A general invitation, applicable to anyone interested.)
- Whatever is left in the fridge is fair game for lunch. (A broad declaration of availability, irrespective of the specific food item.)
- Figurative or Philosophical Statements:
- Whoever said patience is a virtue clearly never waited for a software update. (A common rhetorical device, attributing a general idea to an unnamed source for humorous effect.)
- Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. (A timeless proverb expressing a universal truth about resilience.)
These examples underscore how wh-ever clauses facilitate natural, efficient communication by allowing speakers to generalize and depersonalize statements when precise identification is not required or desired. Their presence in diverse communicative settings highlights their integral role in modern English.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Is the main verb always singular when a
wh-everclause is the subject? - A: Yes, always. The entire
wh-everclause functions as a singular grammatical unit. For example,Whoever calls is getting the job.If you substituteitorthatfor the clause, the singular agreement becomes apparent:It is getting the job.
- Q: Can
whicheverbe used as a subject in the same way? - A: Yes.
Whicheverfunctions identically towhateverbut implies a choice from a limited or known set of options. For instance,Whichever option you choose is fine with me.It meansany one (from the limited set) that you chooseand still takes a singular verb.
- Q: What is the primary difference between
whoeverandwhomever? - A:
Whoeveris always the subject within its own clause, whilewhomeveris always the object within its own clause. When the entirewh-everclause acts as the subject of the main sentence, the internalwh-everword will almost exclusively bewhoeverbecause it typically assumes the subject role within its own clause. Example:Whoever wants to leave may do so.(whoeveris subject ofwants).
- Q: Can
howeverbe used as a subject clause? - A: Less frequently than
whateverorwhoever, but yes. Whenhoweverforms a subject clause, it typically refers to a manner or degree. For example,However you approach the problem is a valid strategy.Here,However you approach the problemacts as the singular subject ofis.
- Q: Are these clauses restricted to the beginning of a sentence?
- A: No. While the focus here is on their role as the main subject,
wh-everclauses can appear in other positions (e.g., as the object of a verb or preposition). However, in those cases, they are not functioning as the subject of the main sentence. Example:I will accept whatever decision you make.(whatever decision you makeis the object ofaccept).
- Q: Why do these sound more natural than
the person who...orthe thing that...in certain contexts? - A: They offer greater generality, conciseness, and stylistic fluidity. They eliminate the need for an explicit noun antecedent, streamlining expression when the specific identity is unimportant or unknown. This allows for a more natural flow, particularly in less formal or broadly applicable statements, reflecting advanced linguistic economy.
Structure of Nominal Wh-ever Clauses
| Wh-ever Word | Internal Clause | Main Verb (Singular) | Complement |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Whoever
|
knows the code
|
is
|
allowed entry
|
|
Whatever
|
you decide
|
remains
|
confidential
|
|
Whichever
|
car you pick
|
costs
|
the same
|
|
Whoever
|
is found guilty
|
faces
|
imprisonment
|
|
Whatever
|
was said
|
stays
|
in this room
|
|
Whoever
|
wants to go
|
needs
|
to sign up
|
Meanings
A nominal relative clause starting with an '-ever' word functions as a noun phrase, serving as the subject of the main verb in a sentence.
Universal/Indefinite Subject
Used to refer to any person or thing that meets a certain condition without specifying which one.
“Whoever wrote this is a genius.”
“Whatever you decide will be the final word.”
Concessive Subject (Nominalized)
Used to imply that the specific choice or person does not change the outcome of the main verb.
“Whatever is in that box is definitely heavy.”
“Whoever told you that was lying.”
Formal/Legal Precision
Used in legal or academic contexts to ensure all possible entities are covered by a rule.
“Whosoever enters these premises agrees to the terms.”
“Whatever assets remain shall be liquidated.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Whoever + Verb + Main Verb
|
Whoever arrives first wins.
|
|
Negative (Internal)
|
Whoever + does not + Verb + Main Verb
|
Whoever does not pay will leave.
|
|
Negative (Main)
|
Whatever + Verb + is not + Complement
|
Whatever he says is not true.
|
|
Interrogative
|
Is + whatever + Subject + Verb + Complement?
|
Is whatever she does always right?
|
|
Plural Agreement
|
Wh-ever + Verb + Main Verb (Plural)
|
Whatever books are left are yours.
|
|
Formal
|
Whosoever + Verb + Main Verb
|
Whosoever believes shall live.
|
|
Object Focus
|
Whatever + Subject + Verb + Main Verb
|
Whatever you want is fine.
|
Formality Spectrum
Whosoever is responsible for the damage shall provide restitution. (property damage)
Whoever broke the window has to pay for it. (property damage)
Whoever did this is paying up. (property damage)
Whoever trashed this is coughing up the cash. (property damage)
The Fused Relative Structure
Whoever
- Anyone who... Whoever eats this...
Whatever
- Anything that... Whatever happens...
Whichever
- Any one of these that... Whichever you choose...
Nominal vs. Adverbial
Is it a Subject Clause?
Does a main verb follow the clause?
Can you replace it with 'Anything that'?
Common Wh-ever Pronouns
People
- • Whoever
- • Whomever
- • Whosoever
Things
- • Whatever
- • Whatsoever
Choices
- • Whichever
Examples by Level
Whatever you want.
Whoever is next?
Whatever is fine.
Whoever is that?
Whoever wins gets a prize.
Whatever he says is true.
Whoever is hungry can eat.
Whatever you buy is expensive.
Whoever finished the milk should buy more.
Whatever you choose will be perfect.
Whoever left the door open is in trouble.
Whatever happens tomorrow is a mystery.
Whatever they told you was a complete lie.
Whoever designed this building was a visionary.
Whatever remains in the fridge is yours.
Whoever is responsible for this mess needs to clean it.
Whatever conclusions we draw must be based on data.
Whoever is appointed to the committee will face scrutiny.
Whatever prompted his resignation remains unknown.
Whichever candidate wins will have a difficult task ahead.
Whosoever violates these terms shall be prosecuted.
Whatever of his reputation survived the scandal was quickly tarnished.
Whoever it was that suggested this plan clearly lacked foresight.
Whatever might have been the case then, the situation has changed.
Easily Confused
Learners use 'No matter what' as a subject, which is grammatically incorrect.
Learners use 'whomever' as a subject because they think it's the object of an implied 'to'.
Learners use 'what' when they want the emphasis of 'whatever'.
Common Mistakes
Whatever you want it is fine.
Whatever you want is fine.
Whoever win gets a prize.
Whoever wins gets a prize.
Whatever they say are true.
Whatever they say is true.
Whomever wants the job can have it.
Whoever wants the job can have it.
Sentence Patterns
Whoever ___ will ___.
Whatever ___ is ___.
Whichever ___ you ___ is ___.
Whosoever ___ shall ___.
Real World Usage
Whatever role I am assigned, I will give my best.
Whosoever breaks this seal shall be liable for damages.
Whatever you want to do is fine with me.
Whatever the outcome of the experiment, the data is valuable.
Whoever handled your previous call was mistaken.
Whatever vegetables are in season can be used.
The 'Anything That' Test
No Extra Pronouns
Singular is Standard
Formal 'Whomsoever'
Smart Tips
Replace 'The people who...' with 'Whoever...'. It sounds more authoritative and academic.
Default to singular. In English, a clause acting as a subject is almost always treated as a single 'thing'.
Use 'Whatever the case may be' as a subject-like transition.
If there is a comma, it's probably an adverbial clause, not a subject. Don't look for a main verb immediately after it.
Pronunciation
Stress on '-ever'
In nominal clauses, the stress often falls on the second syllable of the wh-word: what-EVER.
Clause Intonation
The entire wh-ever clause usually has a rising intonation before a slight pause, followed by the main verb.
Rising-Falling
Whatever you want ↑ is fine ↓.
Standard declarative statement.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Wh-ever is a 'Two-in-One' word: it's the noun and the connector combined.
Visual Association
Imagine a 'Whoever' or 'Whatever' sticker being placed over a specific name or object. The sticker covers the identity but keeps the sentence moving.
Rhyme
Whatever you do, whatever you say, the wh-ever clause leads the way.
Story
A king once said, 'Whoever finds my crown shall be rich.' He didn't know who would find it, so he used 'Whoever' to cover everyone in the kingdom at once.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences about your future using 'Whatever happens...', 'Whoever I meet...', and 'Whichever path I take...'.
Cultural Notes
The word 'Whatever' used as a single-word response is often seen as dismissive or rude, but as a subject clause, it is perfectly neutral.
British and American legal documents still frequently use 'whosoever' and 'whatsoever' for maximum inclusivity.
Many English proverbs use this structure to sound timeless and universal.
The suffix '-ever' comes from the Old English 'æfre', meaning 'always' or 'at any time'.
Conversation Starters
Whatever happens in the next five years, what is one goal you will definitely achieve?
Whoever becomes the next world leader, what should be their first priority?
Whatever you choose to eat for your last meal, what would it be?
Whichever city you could live in, which one would it be and why?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Whatever they decide ___ final.
Find and fix the mistake:
Whoever wants to go, they should sign the list.
___ wrote this poem is a true artist.
The person who finishes first will get the gold medal.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
___ violates the law will be arrested.
___ of the two options you pick is fine.
Find and fix the mistake:
Whatever reasons he gave were not enough.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesWhatever they decide ___ final.
Find and fix the mistake:
Whoever wants to go, they should sign the list.
___ wrote this poem is a true artist.
The person who finishes first will get the gold medal.
1. Whatever you say... 2. Whoever is responsible... 3. Whichever you choose...
___ violates the law will be arrested.
___ of the two options you pick is fine.
Find and fix the mistake:
Whatever reasons he gave were not enough.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercisesWhatever ___ on your mind, you should share it with me.
Whoever have the right qualifications will be considered.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Quienquiera que llegue primero, recibirá el premio.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the clauses with the correct verb form:
Whatever ___ said during the meeting remains confidential.
Whoever are responsible for this project will be held accountable.
Translate into English: 'Por muy difícil que parezca, es posible.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Choose the correct sentence:
Score: /11
FAQ (8)
Technically, no. 'Whomever' is for objects. However, in a clause like 'Whomever you invite is welcome,' 'whomever' is the object of 'invite,' but the *whole clause* is the subject of 'is'.
Yes, in 95% of cases. If the clause refers to a plural noun that is explicitly mentioned, like 'Whatever books are on the table are yours,' you can use a plural verb, but singular is safer.
The latter is more emphatic and often used when the identity is a mystery. 'Whoever broke this' vs 'Whoever it is that broke this'.
Yes, but it's rare as a subject. 'Is whatever he says true?' is grammatically correct but 'Is what he says true?' is more common.
'Whatsoever' is a more formal and emphatic version of 'whatever', often used after a negative noun: 'No doubt whatsoever.'
It's a shortened form of 'Whatever you say' or 'Whatever you think,' implying that the speaker doesn't care enough to argue.
Yes. 'Whichever path you choose will be difficult.' It works just like 'whatever' but for a limited set of choices.
It is neutral. 'Whosoever' is formal. 'Anyone who' is also neutral but slightly less concise.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Quienquiera que / Lo que sea que
English does not require a special mood like the subjunctive.
Quiconque / Ce que
French often splits the 'fused' relative into 'Ce' (that) and 'que' (which).
Wer auch immer / Was auch immer
German requires the 'auch immer' particle to match the '-ever' meaning.
Dare demo / Nani demo
Japanese relies on particles rather than clause-fusing pronouns.
Man / Ma + kan
Arabic often uses a resumptive pronoun later in the sentence, which English forbids.
Wulun... dou...
Chinese requires a correlative word like 'dou' (all) in the main clause.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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