Ever words

Some words are used a lot from English songs to spoken and written English, which are called Ever-words. In this lesson, we will learn the meaning of Ever-words, how they are constructed, and the purpose of such words.

Ever-words are formed by taking ‘WH-question’ words like what, when, where, and combining them with ever. Each of these words has a different meaning, and some of them have two meanings. Ever means always or continuously. When combined with WH-question words, its purpose is changed depending on the Wh-word.

A simple structure of using such words in sentences is:

Some of the Ever-words are:

1. Whenever.
2. Whatever.
3. Wherever.
4. Whomever.
5. Whoever.
6. However.
7. Whichever.

Let’s study these words thoroughly.

Whenever (time) :

Whenever means at any / every time at all or it doesn’t matter when. We use whenever in a sentence when we don’t mention the exact time.

It also means there is no restriction of time. It can be used as a conjunction or as an adverb. We can also use whenever in questions to show that we are surprised.

Example:

• Elsa always asks me about Imran whenever she sees me.
• Whenever I visit Karachi, I get sick.
• Whenever she tries to study, her friends try to distract her.
• You can visit me whenever you got time.
• Whenever do you get time to go shopping? You are always busy with home chores.

Whatever (thing):

Whatever is another Ever-word. It means anything or everything at all. We use whatever in a sentence when we want to emphasize that it has to be done no matter what.

We also use it when we want to express perplexity or astonishment. It can be used as a pronoun, adjective, or adverb. As an adverb, the word whatever means in any case.

Example:

• Whatever you do, but don’t lose that book.
• You can eat whatever you like.
• There is nothing whatever to worry about.
• You are free now; you can do whatever you want.
• I have always given her whatever she asks for.

Wherever (place):

Whenever means at, in, or to any place or it doesn’t matter where. It means anywhere or everywhere. It can be used as an adverb or as a conjunction in sentences. We use ‘wherever’ when we don’t know where a place or a person is.

It can be used in questions instead of where to express surprise or astonishment. As an adverb, it means, in any case, when.

Example:

• I can meet you wherever you want.
• Wherever Ali goes, he buys key chains.
• Wherever you found that beautiful stone
• Bella has permission to go wherever she wants.
• I enjoy myself wherever I am.

Whomever/ whoever (person):

Whoever is another word having suffix ever. Whoever means anybody at all or it doesn’t matter who. Whomever and whoever are interchangeable. Whomever was used in old English, but it has become less frequent from few years due to its difficulty in knowing where to place. Whoever is most commonly used in American English.

It also means everybody or anybody. We often use whoever is sentences when any person’s identity is unknown, or the identity doesn’t matter.  

Example:

• Whoever did this to my car will eventually pay for this.
• Whoever stole my bag should give it back to me immediately.
• Whoever goes into this region, never comes back.
• Whoever suggested this car, didn’t know much about cars.
• Give these keys to whoever is sitting inside.

However (in which way):

‘However,’ means in any way or doesn’t matters how. ‘However’ have different meanings depending on different contexts. ‘However’ also means to whatever degree or extent. It also implies despite that or on the other hand.

You can use ‘however’ before an adjective or adverb to express that whatever degree of something can’t change the situation.

Example:

• I will help you. However, I can.
• However you like your fish, just tell me I will cook it for you.
• However Ali had tried, he still failed the exam.
• I would like to go there; however, I would better not.
• Complete your homework; however, you like.

Whichever (option) :

Coming to our final Ever-word. It means any out of group or no matter which. We use whichever when we have a limited choice of 3-4. We use whatever when there is no restriction of options.

Example:

• Buy whichever shoes you like.
• Whichever university you will choose, I will pay for your admission.
• Whichever decision you make, I will support you.
• We will go for dinner, whichever restaurant you like.
• You have to take two of the four subjects, whichever you find comfortable and exciting.

Conclusion :

In this lesson, we learned Ever words. However, there are not all of them but one of the most commonly used words. Some of the Ever-words are used as subjective pronouns or objective pronouns of each other like whosever, whomsoever, etc.

Exercise:

Choose the correct option.

You are welcome at my place ______ you like.

1. Wherever.
2. Whenever 
3. However 
4. Whoever 

You can do ______ you want after completing your homework.

1. However.
2. Whatever.
3. Whichever 
4. However.

You can invite _____  you like at your birthday party,

1. Whoever 
2. However 
3. Whichever 
4. Whatever 

You can wear this scarf _____ you like.

1. Wherever.
2. However. 
3. Whatever. 
4. Whichever.

I will always enjoy your company _____ you do.

1. Whichever 
2. Whoever 
3. Whatever 
4. Whatsoever