whoever
gb/huˈɛvɚ/ us/huˈɛvɚ/
B1
English
~ 1900
Senses
0 senses
pronoun
B1
relation
1
any person who
Used to talk about any person who does something or is in a situation, without saying exactly which person.
Usage pattern:
whoever [verb phrase]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'whoever' with 'whomever'. In most everyday speech, 'whoever' is used even when formal grammar might require 'whomever'.
Synonyms
anyone who (Slightly more formal and explicit; often used interchangeably but 'whoever' can be less specific or more conversational.)
Antonyms
no one who (Expresses the opposite idea — that there is not a single person who meets the condition.)
Collocations
whoever wants
|whoever is
|whoever said
|whoever does
Themes
grammar
|daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Whoever wants to join the trip should sign up here.
- You can invite whoever you like to the party.
- Whoever said that was clearly mistaken.
- I'll support whoever wins the election.
- Give the gift to whoever helped you the most.
Learner examples
- Whoever wants to play can come.
- I will help whoever asks me.
- Whoever is ready can start now.
- She will talk to whoever calls her.
- Give it to whoever needs it.
Grammar
Dictionary form
whoever
IPA
GB/huˈɛvɚ/
US/huˈɛvɚ/
Syllables & stress
who - ever (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ever)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: whoever
- Plural: whoevers
Word family
Expressions
for whoever cares
1/fɚ huˈɛvɚ kˈɛɹz/
fixed phrase
informal
for anyone interested
Said before giving information that may not interest everyone.
Examples
- For whoever cares, the meeting starts at 9 a.m.
- Here are the results, for whoever cares.
whoever it may be
1/huˈɛvɚ ˈɪt mˈeɪ bˈi/
fixed phrase
any person, identity unknown
Used to say you do not know or care who the person is.
Examples
- We will welcome the new leader, whoever it may be.
- I will stand by my decision, whoever it may be that challenges it.