Whatever Whichever Whenever Wherever However Whoever: Explained

Updated November 4, 2026

The words whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, however, and whoever are all compound words formed from a question word (what, which, when, where, how, who) plus -ever. They function as relative pronouns or adverbs introducing clauses, and they all share two core meanings: any one of a set (e.g., “choose whichever you like”) and it doesn’t matter which (e.g., “wherever you go, I’ll follow”). This article explains each word’s specific use, common mistakes, and how to choose the right one.

What Each Word Means

Though they look similar, each word has a distinct job. Here is the core meaning and a simple example for each:

Whatever – any thing or any action; “it doesn’t matter what.” Example: “Eat whatever you want.”
Whichever – any one from a limited set; “it doesn’t matter which.” Example: “Take whichever seat is free.”
Whenever – at any time; “it doesn’t matter when.” Example: “Call me whenever you arrive.”
Wherever – in any place; “it doesn’t matter where.” Example: “Sit wherever you like.”
However – in any manner or way; also used as a contrast word meaning “but.” Example: “However you do it, just finish on time.”
Whoever – any person; “it doesn’t matter who.” Example: “Whoever arrives first gets a prize.”

All six can also be used to express frustration or indifference in informal speech, as in “Whatever!” (meaning “I don’t care”) or “However you want.” That usage is conversational, not grammatical.

How They Work in Sentences

These words introduce dependent clauses. The clause can act as a noun (subject or object) or as an adverb. For example:

Noun clause: “Whoever stole my lunch will pay.” (The clause is the subject.)
Adverb clause: “Call me whenever you land.” (The clause modifies “call.”)

A key rule: when you use one of these words, you do not need another question word in the same clause. For instance, say “I’ll go wherever you go,” not “I’ll go wherever do you go.” The clause is not a question.

Another rule: whoever changes to whomever when it is the object of a verb or preposition, just like who changes to whom. Example: “Give the prize to whomever you choose.” In casual speech, many people use “whoever” even in object position, but formal writing still distinguishes them.

Choosing the Right Word

The choice depends on what you are referring to: a thing, a person, a time, a place, a manner, or a specific member of a group. Here is a practical guide:

Use whatever when the set is unlimited or unknown: “I’ll eat whatever is in the fridge.”
Use whichever when the set is definite but you don’t care which one: “Choose whichever color you prefer from these five.”
Use whenever for time: “Come whenever you’re ready.”
Use wherever for place: “We’ll meet wherever is convenient.”
Use however for manner or degree: “However hard you try, you can’t please everyone.”
Use whoever for people: “Whoever called left a message.”

If you are unsure, ask yourself: “What is the missing information?” If the answer is a place, use wherever; if it’s a time, use whenever; if it’s a person, use whoever; if it’s a thing, use whatever or whichever.

Common Mistakes and Confusions

Even native speakers mix these up. The most frequent errors are:

Using “whatever” when you mean “whichever.” “Whichever” implies a choice among known options; “whatever” implies no options or unknown options. “I’ll take whichever flavor you have” (you have specific flavors) vs. “I’ll take whatever you give me” (no specific set).
Using “whoever” instead of “whomever.” In formal writing, “whomever” is required as an object. Example: “Invite whomever you like.” In everyday speech, “whoever” is common.
Confusing “however” with “how ever.” “However” as one word means “in whatever way” or “but.” “How ever” as two words is an emphatic question: “How ever did you do that?”
Adding a comma incorrectly. When “however” means “but,” it usually needs a semicolon before and a comma after: “I wanted to go; however, I was too tired.” When it means “in whatever way,” no comma is needed: “However you decide, I’ll support you.”

Another common issue is using these words in double questions: “I don’t know whatever you mean” is wrong; the correct form is “I don’t know what you mean.” The -ever forms are not used in indirect questions unless they mean “any.”

Formal vs. Informal Usage

In formal writing, these words are used precisely and without the dismissive tone. In informal speech, they often appear in shortened or slangy ways:

“Whatever” as a standalone interjection meaning “I don’t care” is informal and can sound rude.
“Whenever” can be used as a conjunction meaning “every time that”: “Whenever I see her, I smile.”
“However” is often overused as a sentence starter; in formal writing, it is better placed after the subject or as a parenthetical.

In academic or professional writing, avoid the dismissive “whatever” and the vague “wherever” unless you mean “any place.” Use “whichever” only when the options are clear.

Related Words and Variations

These six words are part of a larger family. Other -ever compounds include:

Whatsoever – an emphatic form of “whatever,” often used after “no” or “any”: “I have no doubt whatsoever.”
Whomsoever – the formal object form of “whoever”: “To whomsoever it may concern.”
Whensoever, wheresoever, howsoever – archaic or legal variants of whenever, wherever, however. They appear in old texts and legal documents but are rare today.

These older forms are not interchangeable in modern English; they sound stilted outside of formal legal or religious writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “whatever” always informal?
No. “Whatever” is standard English meaning “anything that” or “no matter what.” It is only informal when used as a dismissive interjection (“Whatever!”). In sentences like “Do whatever you think is best,” it is perfectly formal.

What’s the difference between “whoever” and “whomever”?
“Whoever” is the subject form (like “he”), and “whomever” is the object form (like “him”). Use “whoever” when it is the subject of the clause: “Whoever arrives first wins.” Use “whomever” when it is the object: “Give it to whomever you see.” In casual speech, “whoever” is often used for both.

Can I start a sentence with “However”?
Yes, but be careful. When “however” means “nevertheless,” it is fine to start a sentence, but it should be followed by a comma: “However, the results were inconclusive.” When it means “in whatever way,” no comma is needed: “However you look at it, the plan is risky.”

Is “whichever” the same as “whatever”?
No. “Whichever” implies a choice among a known, limited set. “Whatever” implies an unlimited or unknown set. For example, “Choose whichever dress you like” (the dresses are visible) vs. “Choose whatever you like” (anything at all).

Why do people say “whenever” to mean “when” in some dialects?
In some American English dialects, especially in the South and Midwest, “whenever” is used to mean “at the time that” for a single event, as in “Whenever I was born, my father was overseas.” This is a regional variation, not standard English. In standard usage, “whenever” means “any time” or “every time.”

Are these words ever used as nouns?
No, they are not nouns. They function as pronouns, adverbs, or conjunctions. However, “whatever” can be used as a noun in slang: “I don’t want to hear your whatevers.” That is nonstandard and playful.

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