Grammar / B1+ Grammar lessons and exercises / Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however
It Doesn’t Matter What, When, Where…
Using -ever words
🟦What Are “-ever” Words?
When we add -ever to question words like what, which, when, where, who, or how, we create words that mean: “it doesn’t matter which/what/when…”. They show that any choice is acceptable or that the result is the same regardless of the option.
✅ You can sit wherever you want.
(= It doesn’t matter where — any seat is fine.)
🟩Whatever
Means “anything” or “it doesn’t matter what.”
✅ You can be whatever you want to be; the only thing you need is hard work.
✅ I am very proud of all of you, whatever happens in the game tomorrow.
🟪Whichever
Used when there’s a limited number of choices. Means “any one of the options” — it doesn’t matter which.
✅ You can retire at 65 or after 40 years of employment, whichever arrives first.
✅ The prize is a trip to one of our five destinations. Choose whichever you prefer.
🟦Whenever
Means “at any time” — it doesn’t matter when.
✅ I just go there whenever they tell me.
✅ I can meet you tomorrow or whenever is more convenient for you.
🟨Wherever
Means “in any place” — it doesn’t matter where.
✅ Be friendly, and you will find new friends wherever you go.
✅ Technology allows many people to work from wherever they want.
⬛Whoever
Means “any person who…” — it doesn’t matter who.
✅ Police are looking for whoever was responsible for this crime.
✅ Whoever did this is going to pay for it.
🟥However
Means “in any way” or “no matter how”. Often used with adjectives or adverbs to emphasize degree.
✅ When you buy your own house, you can customise it however you want.
(= in any way you want)
✅ However much you think it costs, triple that amount.
(= No matter how much…)
📌 Key Rules:
🔁 Add -ever to question words → means “it doesn’t matter which/what/when…”
💡 Whatever = anything | Whichever = any of limited options
🕒 Whenever = any time | 🌍 Wherever = any place
👤 Whoever = any person | 📏 However = any way / no matter how
✨ These words introduce noun clauses and can start sentences or follow verbs/prepositions.