Explanation
Exercises
“-ever” Clauses — whatever / whichever / whenever / wherever / whoever / however
means “no matter what/which/when/where/who/how” free relative clauses frontable (comma if first)

What “-ever” adds

Adding -ever to what/which/when/where/who/how creates a word that means any choice is acceptable or the choice doesn’t matter. These forms can introduce a clause and behave like “no matter …”.

  • meaning You can sit wherever you like. (= in any place)
  • warning/advice Whatever you do, save a backup.

When an “-ever” clause comes first, follow it with a comma: Whenever you arrive, , call me.

Pattern map

FormWorks asTypical structureExample
whatever pronoun / determiner whatever + clause / whatever + noun Choose whatever is easier. / Wear whatever clothes you like.
whichever determiner / pronoun whichever + noun / whichever of + plural noun Pick whichever route is faster. / Take whichever of the options suits you.
whenever adverb of time whenever + clause Call me whenever you’re free.
wherever adverb of place wherever + clause Work wherever you feel productive.
whoever pronoun (person) whoever + clause (subject or object) Whoever finishes first gets a prize.
however adverb (manner/degree) however + adj/adv / however + you like Arrange the desks however you want. / However difficult it is, try.

whatever vs whichever

  • Range whatever = any thing from an open set.
    Eat whatever makes you feel good.
  • Limited set whichever = any item from a specific list.
    Take whichever seat is free.
  • Form whichever of + plural noun: Choose whichever of the three designs you prefer.

whoever as subject or object

  • Subject Whoever calls first will get help.
  • Object We will support whoever needs training.
  • Formality whomever exists in very formal writing; at B1 use whoever.

however: two different functions

  • Manner/degree (concessive) However hard you try, keep learning. (= no matter how hard)
  • Contrast linker We booked a cheap room. However, it was comfortable. Here however = “but” and starts a new sentence/after a semicolon; add a comma.

Quantity/time/distance with however

PatternMeaningExample
however much / however many no matter the amount/number However much it costs, we’ll fix it. / However many tickets you need, order now.
however long / however far no matter the time/distance Wait however long it takes. / Walk however far you can.

Position & short forms

  • Fronting: an “-ever” clause can come first for emphasis: Wherever you are, , text me.
  • Mid-clause: Text me whenever you arrive.
  • Ellipsis: in instructions/descriptions we often drop the rest: Wherever possible, use recycled paper.

Usage hints & common pitfalls

  • Comma rules: use a comma after an initial “-ever” clause; no comma when it’s mid-clause.
  • Do not mix: ✘ whichever of them do you prefer → ✔ Which do you prefer? (question) / Choose whichever you prefer. (statement)
  • Meaning check: even if (possible condition) ≠ whatever/whenever (any choice).
Exercises:
1
2
3

“-ever” Clauses: whatever/whenever etc.

Choose the correct option to complete the sentences below.
1
happens, stay calm and follow the plan.
2
Call me you land at the airport.
3
Sit you like — the seats are unassigned.
4
I’ll support wins the community award.
5
hard I try, the download fails at 99%.
6
Edit the layout you like — we can revert later.
7
Choose fits your schedule best.
8
Our support team helps contacts them — alumni or new users.
9
Access your files you are — the app syncs automatically.
10
I’ll be online you need me this weekend.

“-ever” Clauses: whatever/whenever etc.

Choose the correct option for each gap below.
1
_____ you decide, I’ll support you.
A.
B.
C.
2
Call me _____ you arrive.
A.
B.
C.
3
Sit _____ you like — the seats are free.
A.
B.
C.
4
_____ finishes first wins a prize.
A.
B.
C.
5
I’ll help you, _____ difficult it is.
A.
B.
C.
6
Take _____ you need from the box.
A.
B.
C.
7
Use this pass to travel _____ you want within the city.
A.
B.
C.
8
You can start the project _____ you prefer — Monday or Tuesday.
A.
B.
C.
9
_____ calls, say I’m in a meeting.
A.
B.
C.
10
_____ hard he trains, he keeps improving.
A.
B.
C.

“-ever” Clauses: whatever/whenever etc.

Complete the sentences with whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however or whichever.
1
You can choose seat you like.
2
We will call you we arrive at the hotel.
3
Sit you feel comfortable.
4
Invite you think would enjoy the workshop.
5
Take the train or the bus — use is cheaper.
6
I will support you decision you make.
7
He kept smiling nervous he felt.
8
happens, stay calm and keep breathing.
9
They will track the migration the animals go.
10
Give the prize to scores the highest.