Whoever, Whatever etc.

The words whoever, whatever, wherever, whichever, whenever and however have similar meanings to 'it doesn't matter who, what, which etc.,' it may be. A word of this kind has a double function: it acts as a subject, object or adverb in its own clause. It also acts as a conjunction joining its clause to the rest of the sentence.

Whatever you may say I am not going to take him back. (= It doesn't matter what you say, I won't take him back.)

Wherever you go, I shall follow you. (It doesn't matter where you go, I shall follow you.)

Whoever disobeys the law must be punished. (It doesn't matter who disobeys the law, he/she must be punished.)

Keep calm, whatever happens.

However much he eats, he never gets fat.

These words are also used to suggest something not definitely known.

I shall come whenever I can slip away.

We shall send whoever is available.

You will have to be content with whatever you can get.

See also

Common mistakes in the use of nouns
Common mistakes in the use of nouns | Exercise 1
Common mistakes in the use of nouns | Exercise 2
Common mistakes in the use of nouns | Exercise 3