O que quer que seja, onde quer que seja, quem quer que seja (Orações Generalizantes)
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
-ever. Se você já se pegou tentando traduzir expressões como quem quer que seja,
não importa o quêou
onde quer que você vá, você está exatamente no território de
whoever, whatever, wherever e seus companheiros.Não importa qual pessoa chegar primeiro, ela deve abrir o escritório, o inglês nos permite ser muito mais diretos:
Whoever arrives first must open the office.-ever não é apenas uma questão de gramática; é uma questão de fluência e registro. No nível Upper-Intermediate, espera-se que você consiga transitar entre a precisão técnica e a naturalidade de um nativo. Ao longo desta explicação, vamos desmistificar como essas palavras funcionam, comparando-as diretamente com a nossa forma de falar no Brasil, para que você nunca mais hesite na hora de escolher entre whatever ou no matter what.-ever formam orações dependentes. Isso significa que elas não podem ficar sozinhas; elas precisam de uma oração principal para fazer sentido.-ever ocupa o lugar que seria de um nome ou objeto. Elas podem ser o sujeito da frase, o objeto de um verbo ou o objeto de uma preposição. As mais comuns aqui são whoever, whatever e whichever.Whoever(any person who/no matter who): Em português, traduzimos comoquem quer queouqualquer pessoa que.
Whoever wins the promotion will get a raise. (Aqui, whoever wins the promotion é o sujeito da frase. É quem vai ganhar o aumento).You can talk to whoever is at the reception. (Aqui, funciona como objeto da preposição to).Whatever(anything that/no matter what): Nossa famosa traduçãoo que quer que seja
ouqualquer coisa que. É fundamental lembrar:whatevernunca é usado para pessoas.
Whatever you decide is fine with me. (O que você decidir — o sujeito da ação — está ok para mim).I will buy whatever I want for my new apartment. (Aqui, é o objeto direto do verbo buy).Whichever(any one that/no matter which): Usamos quando há um número limitado de opções. Imagine que você está escolhendo entre dois ou três modelos de celular em uma loja.
There are two available shifts. You can take whichever you prefer. (Você escolhe qual preferir entre as opções dadas).wherever, whenever e a sutil however.Wherever(in any place that/no matter where):Onde quer que.
Wherever you go in Brazil, you'll find someone who loves football. (Não importa o lugar, a condição se mantém).Whenever(at any time that/no matter when):Sempre queouquando quer que.
Whenever I listen to Bossa Nova, I feel relaxed. (A ação principal de relaxar acontece toda vez que a música toca).However(no matter how): Esta é a que mais confunde brasileiros. Quando usada para generalizar, ela deve ser seguida por um adjetivo ou advérbio. Traduzimos mentalmente comopor mais que [adjetivo] seja
.
However hard I try, I can't understand this software. (Por mais que eu tente/por mais difícil que seja a tentativa, não consigo entender).-ever) | Português (Equivalente Típico) | Observação de Uso |Whoever | Quem quer que / Qualquer um que | Frequentemente pede o subjuntivo em PT (seja, faça). |Whatever | O que quer que / Qualquer coisa que | Refere-se a coisas, fatos ou ideias. |Whichever | Qual quer que / Qualquer um dos (as) | Implica uma escolha entre opções limitadas. |Wherever | Onde quer que / Em qualquer lugar que | Indica ubiquidade ou indiferença de local. |Whenever | Quando quer que / Toda vez que | Indica frequência ou indiferença de tempo. |However | Por mais que / Independentemente de quão | Sempre seguido de adjetivo/advérbio nesta função. |Quem quer que seja,
Onde quer que você vá). No inglês, usamos o indicativo simples (
Whoever it is, Wherever you go). Sacou?however, é onde a maioria dos estudantes tropeça. A estrutura básica é: wh- word + ever + subject + verb.- 1Sujeito ou Objeto (Nominal):
Whoever/Whatever/Whichever+verb(quando a palavra-everé o próprio sujeito).- Ex:
Whoever called me forgot to leave a message. Whoever/Whatever/Whichever+subject+verb(quando a palavra-everé o objeto).- Ex:
You can invite whoever you like.
- 1O Caso Especial do
However:
However+ Adjetivo/Advérbio +Subject+Verb- Correto:
However expensive it is, I'll buy it. - Incorreto:
However it is expensive...(Erro comum de tradução direta doPor mais que seja caro
).
- 1Pontuação e Conexão:
- No início da frase: Use vírgula para separar da oração principal.
Wherever you decide to go, let me know.- No meio/fim da frase: Geralmente não se usa vírgula.
Let me know wherever you decide to go.
- 1Uso de Substantivos com
WhichevereWhatever:
Whichever seat you choose, you'll have a good view.(Qualquer assento que você escolher...)He will support whatever decision you make.(Ele apoiará qualquer decisão que você tomar...)
-ever é a escolha ideal.-ever brilha. Ele mostra que a identidade específica do objeto ou lugar não é o ponto central.I'm fine with whatever you order for dinner.(O iFood é por sua conta, eu como qualquer coisa).We can meet whenever works best for your schedule.(Não importa a hora, a gente se ajusta).
Please, take whichever laptop is available.(Temos vários, escolha um).You can customize the report however you see fit.(Use sua criatividade, faça do seu jeito).
However)However difficult the transition might be, it is necessary for the company’s growth.(Reconhecemos que é difícil, mas vamos fazer mesmo assim).I will finish this project on time, however tired I feel.(Pode o sono bater, mas eu vou terminar).
-ever criam regras que cobrem todas as possibilidades sem precisar listar uma por uma.Whoever violates the safety protocol will be suspended immediately.(Uma regra universal: fez, tá fora).The insurance covers whatever damage is caused by natural disasters.(Cobre tudo que for da natureza, sem exceção).
Whoever is coming, please confirm by Friday, você está sendo prático e direto. Soa muito mais natural do que No matter who is coming..., que é um pouco mais enfático e pesado.forçar a lógica do português no inglês. Aqui estão os tropeços mais comuns que você deve evitar:However de Concessão com o However de Conexãohowever diferentes. O que estamos estudando hoje (no matter how) exige um adjetivo logo depois. O outro however, que significa entretanto ou porém, vem isolado por vírgulas.- Erro:
However it is late, I will study.(Aqui você tentou usar como concessão, mas a estrutura está errada). - Correto (Concessão):
However late it is, I will study.(Por mais que seja tarde...) - Correto (Contraste/Entretanto):
It is late; however, I will study.(Está tarde; entretanto, vou estudar).
Whatever para PessoasQualquer um pode vir. No inglês, se você usar
Whatever can come, você está chamando as pessoas de coisas.- Cuidado: Sempre use
Whoeverpara pessoas.Whateveré desumanizante se aplicado a seres humanos. - Exemplo:
Whatever you want(O que você quiser - coisa).Whoever you want(Quem você quiser - pessoa).
-everO que quer que seja), alguns alunos tentam dizer
The whatever you want.- Lembre-se: Palavras com
-everfuncionam sozinhas. Nunca coloquethe,aouanantes delas.
HoweverPor mais que eu esteja cansado. Ao traduzir, o aluno diz:
However I am tired.- A regra de ouro: O adjetivo tem que
grudarnohowever. Pense que ohoweveré um imã para adjetivos:However tired I am.
Teacher, posso usar. A resposta curta é: sim, o sentido é quase idêntico. A resposta longa é: existe uma diferença de tom e ênfase.no matterno lugar de-ever?
No matter costuma ser um pouco mais enfático e dramático. As formas com -ever são mais integradas à frase e soam mais fluidas no discurso cotidiano e profissional.-ever | Estrutura No matter | Diferença de Uso |Whatever you say, I'll believe you. | No matter what you say, I'll believe you. | No matter é mais enfático, quase um desafio ou promessa forte. |Whoever did this is a genius. | No matter who did this, they are a genius. | -ever foca na identidade desconhecida; no matter foca na irrelevância da identidade. |Whenever you're ready. | It doesn't matter when you're ready. | Whenever é muito comum em convites e ofertas de ajuda. |However hard it gets... | No matter how hard it gets... | However é mais comum em escrita acadêmica e profissional. |Whatever e Whichever.- Use
Whateverquando as opções são infinitas (ex:Faça o que quiser da vida
). - Use
Whicheverquando as opções estão ali na sua frente (ex:Escolha qualquer uma dessas duas canetas
).
whatever como uma resposta curta, tipo gíria?Whatever! equivale ao nosso Tanto faz! ou O que seja!, muitas vezes com um tom de desdém ou falta de paciência. No ambiente de trabalho, evite usar whatever sozinho como resposta, pois pode soar rude.Whichever you prefer ou Whatever is best for the team.Whoever e Whomever?whomever está caindo em desuso e é reservado para contextos extremamente formais (como textos jurídicos). Na fala cotidiana, mesmo em ambientes profissionais, use whoever.whoever é para o sujeito (quem faz a ação) e whomever é para o objeto (quem recebe a ação). Mas, sinceramente? No nível B2, focar no uso natural de whoever é muito mais produtivo.Whosoever ou Whensoever?-soever e fique apenas com o -ever. Mantenha o foco no que é prático e usado hoje em dia.if). Se o bloco do -ever vier primeiro, você precisa de uma pausa (vírgula) antes de entrar na ideia principal. Se a ideia principal vier primeiro, a frase flui direto sem vírgula. Tranquilo, né?no matter what por um whatever ou however.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
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative (Subject)
|
Whoever + Verb + ...
|
Whoever wins gets a prize.
|
|
Affirmative (Object)
|
Subject + Verb + whatever + ...
|
I'll eat whatever you make.
|
|
Concessive Clause
|
Wherever + S + V, Main Clause
|
Wherever you go, I'll be there.
|
|
Negative Meaning
|
Whatever + S + doesn't + V
|
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
|
|
Interrogative (Rare)
|
Whatever happened to...?
|
Whatever happened to your old car?
|
|
Limited Choice
|
Whichever + Noun + ...
|
Whichever day you choose is fine.
|
Espectro de formalidade
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)
The Universe of '-ever'
People
- Whoever Any person
Things
- Whatever Anything
- Whichever Any specific one
Location
- Wherever Anywhere
Time
- Whenever Any time
Whatever vs. Whichever
Choosing the Right '-ever' Word
Are you talking about a person?
Are you talking about a place?
Is there a limited set of choices?
Usage Scenarios
Indifference
- • Whatever you say
- • Whenever is fine
- • Wherever you want
Determination
- • Whatever it takes
- • Whoever tries to stop me
- • Wherever I must go
Exemplos por nível
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.
Fácil de confundir
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'.
Erros comuns
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...
Padrões de frases
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
The 'Any' Substitution
The 'Whatever' Trap
Formal Writing
Politeness
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.
Pronúncia
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.
Memorize
Mnemônico
W-H-E-V-E-R: What, Who, Where, Which, When + EVER = Everything, Everyone, Everywhere, Every choice, Every time.
Associação visual
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
Desafio
Write three sentences about your dream vacation using 'wherever', 'whatever', and 'whenever'.
Notas culturais
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'.
Iniciadores de conversa
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?
Temas para diário
Erros comuns
Test Yourself
You 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.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
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
Exercicios praticos
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: 'No importa lo que digas, no cambiaré de opinión.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the 'wh-ever' word to its primary use:
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: 'No importa dónde vayas, te seguiré.'
Arrange these words to make a complete sentence:
Take ___ coat you want from the closet; they all fit.
Score: /12
Perguntas frequentes (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
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