Question Words with -ever
Whatever, whoever, whenever, wherever, however: any... at all
When to Use Question Words with -ever
- •Whatever: any thing. Take whatever you want. Whatever happens, I'll support you.
- •Whoever: any person. Whoever did this will be punished. Give it to whoever needs it.
- •Whenever: any time. Come whenever you like. Whenever I see her, she's smiling.
- •Wherever: any place. Sit wherever you want. Wherever he goes, trouble follows.
- •However: any way/degree. However hard I try, I can't do it. Do it however you like.
How to Form Question Words with -ever
Affirmative (+)
Question word + -ever + clause
Negative (-)
Same structure with negation in clause
Question (?)
Rarely used in questions
💡 These can introduce noun clauses or adverb clauses. 'However' can also mean 'but'.
Examples of Question Words with -ever
✓Whatever you decide is fine with me.
✗What ever you decide is fine with me.
One word: whatever.
✓Whoever calls, tell them I'm busy.
✗Who ever calls, tell them I'm busy.
One word: whoever.
✓However hard I try, I fail.
✗However hard I try but I fail.
Don't add 'but' after however clause.
Common Mistakes with Question Words with -ever
💡 Practice Tips for Question Words with -ever
- • Whatever = anything that; whoever = anyone who.
- • Whenever = any time that; wherever = any place that.
- • However + adjective/adverb = no matter how.
- • All written as one word (not 'what ever').
Quick Quiz
Practice this with a real tutor