whichever
gb/wɪt͡ʃˈɛvɚ/ us/wɪt͡ʃˈɛvɚ/
B1
English
~ 7800
Senses
0 senses
pronoun
B1
relation
1
any one from a known set
Used to say that any one thing or person from a small group is okay.
Usage pattern:
choose whichever [noun] you like
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes write *"which ever"* as two words; it must always be written as one word: "whichever". They may also confuse it with "whatever". Use "whichever" for a choice between known options (for example, three shirts on a table), and "whatever" for almost anything in general.
Synonyms
any (Broader and more general; does not always imply choosing from a clearly known, limited set the way "whichever" usually does.)
|
either (Only works when there are exactly two choices, while "whichever" can be used with two or more.)
Antonyms
specific (Focuses on one exact, identified choice, while "whichever" leaves the choice open.)
|
neither (Refuses both options, while "whichever" accepts any one of the options.)
Collocations
choose whichever you like
|whichever book
|whichever option
|whichever seat
|whichever is easiest
|take whichever you want
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- You can take whichever seat you like.
- Pick whichever color fits your room best.
- Buy whichever size is most comfortable for you.
- Use whichever phone is charged.
- Choose whichever dessert you want from the menu.
Learner examples
- You can sit in whichever chair you like.
- Take whichever pen works.
- Choose whichever T‑shirt you want.
- Pick whichever answer you think is right.
conjunction
B2
relation
2
no matter which option
Used to say that the result is the same, no matter which thing or person you choose.
Usage pattern:
whichever [noun] [verb], [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes drop the second clause and leave the sentence incomplete, for example: *"Whichever bus you take."* To be correct, it needs a main clause: "Whichever bus you take, you will arrive early." They may also incorrectly use simple "which" instead of "whichever" when they mean "no matter which".
Synonyms
no matter which (Very close in meaning; slightly more formal and clearly shows the idea of all choices giving the same result.)
|
regardless of which (More formal and often used in written language; emphasizes that the choice does not affect the outcome.)
Antonyms
only if (Limits the result to a specific condition, whereas "whichever" allows any of several choices without changing the result.)
Collocations
whichever comes first
|whichever happens
|whichever is easier
|whichever is better
|whichever works best
|whichever is greater
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Whichever route we take, we'll arrive by noon.
- Whichever candidate wins, there will be big changes.
- Whichever hotel you book, make sure it has free cancellation.
- Whichever way you decide, I will support you.
- Whichever option is cheaper, that's the one we should choose.
Learner examples
- Whichever bus you catch, you will get there on time.
- Whichever movie we watch, I will be happy.
- Whichever team wins, the fans will celebrate.
- Whichever dress you wear, you will look nice.
Grammar
Dictionary form
whichever
IPA
GB/wɪt͡ʃˈɛvɚ/
US/wɪt͡ʃˈɛvɚ/
Syllables & stress
whichever (1 syllable)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: whichever
- Plural: whichevers
Word family
Expressions
whichever comes first
1/wɪt͡ʃˈɛvɚ kˈʌmz fˈɚst/
fixed phrase
the one that happens earlier
Used when talking about two or more future times or events, meaning the one that happens before the others.
Examples
- The warranty lasts for three years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- You should pay the bill within 30 days or before the service is stopped, whichever comes first.
whichever is greater
1/wɪt͡ʃˈɛvɚ ˈɪz ɡɹˈeɪtɚ/
fixed phrase
technical
the larger amount or number
Used when you compare two or more numbers or amounts and must use the biggest one.
Examples
- You will have to pay a fine of $50 or 10% of the unpaid tax, whichever is greater.
- The fee is 2% of the ticket price or $10, whichever is greater.
whichever way you look at it
1/wɪt͡ʃˈɛvɚ wˈeɪ jˈu lˈʊk ˈæt ˈɪt/
idiom
in every way of seeing it
Used to say that no matter how you think about a situation, the result or opinion does not change.
Examples
- Whichever way you look at it, it's a bad deal.
- It's a difficult decision, whichever way you look at it.
whichever you prefer
1/wɪt͡ʃˈɛvɚ jˈu pɹɪfˈɚ/
fixed phrase
any option you like best
Used to say that the other person can choose the thing they like more, and any choice is okay.
Examples
- "Coffee or tea?" – "Whichever you prefer."
- We can meet in the morning or afternoon, whichever you prefer.