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“Whoever” and “whomever” are both pronouns, but they are used differently based on their role in a sentence. Here’s how to distinguish between them:
Whoever vs. Whomever: the Main Difference
Key Takeaways
- Use “whoever” when it is the subject of a verb (the one doing the action).
- Use “whomever” when it is the object of a verb or preposition (the one receiving the action).
Whoever vs. Whomever: Definition, Usage
Whoever:
- Meaning: Used as the subject of a clause, performing the action in the sentence.
- Use: Functions like “he” or “she” in a sentence (the subject).
- Examples:
- “Whoever wants to join us is welcome.”
- “Give the prize to whoever arrives first.”
- Explanation: “Whoever” is the subject of the verbs “wants” and “arrives” in the examples.
Whomever:
- Meaning: Used as the object of a verb or preposition.
- Use: Functions like “him” or “her” in a sentence (the object).
- Examples:
- “You can invite whomever you like.”
- “The decision will affect whomever we choose.”
- Explanation: “Whomever” is the object of the verbs “like” and “choose.”
Related
When to Use Whomever or Whoever
Let’s see an example: “Give these papers to whoever/ whomever you find in the office”. Which is the correct pronoun to use? Try to rephrase the sentence. Which sounds right, “Give these papers to he” or “Give these papers to him”? Because the second option is correct, you need to write, “Give these papers to whomever you find in the office”.
Look at this sentence: “Whoever/ whomever comes to the party should wear white clothes”. Simplify it and you’ll get either “He should wear white clothes” or “Him should wear white clothes”. The first option is correct, so the pronoun you need to use is whoever.
If you still don’t feel confident with whoever vs. whomever, there’s no reason to worry because you can easily form sentences without using these pronouns. You can always use someone or anyone. These won’t change, depending on whether you are talking about a subject or an object. For instance, you can say, “Give these papers to anyone you find in the office” and “Someone who comes to the party should wear white clothes”.
How to Tell Which One to Use:
- Find the verb in the clause: Look for the verb associated with the pronoun.
- Determine if the pronoun is the subject or the object:
- If the pronoun is performing the action of the verb, use “whoever.”
- If the pronoun is receiving the action or follows a preposition, use “whomever.”
Quick Tip for Remembering:
- If you can substitute “he” or “she”, use “whoever.”
- If you can substitute “him” or “her”, use “whomever.”
Common Mistakes with Whomever and Whoever
Using “whomever” as a subject:
- Incorrect: “Whomever is interested should sign up.”
- Correct: “Whoever is interested should sign up.”
- Explanation: “Whoever” is the subject of “is interested,” so it should be used here.
Using “whoever” as an object:
- Incorrect: “I will talk to whoever you suggest.”
- Correct: “I will talk to whomever you suggest.”
- Explanation: “Whomever” is the object of “you suggest,” so it is the correct form.
Whoever vs. Whomever Examples
Examples of “Whoever”
- Whoever finishes their work first will get a bonus.
- Whoever is responsible for this mess must clean it up.
- I will give the ticket to whoever can use it.
- Whoever called earlier did not leave a message.
- Whoever wins the election will face many challenges.
Examples of “Whomever”
- You can bring whomever you like to the party.
- The prize will be awarded to whomever the judges choose.
- Send the package to whomever is listed on the label.
- She will go to the dance with whomever asks her first.
- The manager will hire whomever he deems most qualified.
Exercises to Learn the Difference
Determine if “whoever” or “whomever” is correct.
- Whoever wins the race will get a trophy. (True/False)
- Give the documents to whomever is in charge. (True/False)
- Whomever you choose, make sure they are qualified. (True/False)
- I will support whoever you decide to hire. (True/False)
- Ask whomever you want to the party. (True/False)
- Whoever did this will be held responsible. (True/False)
- Whomever broke the vase will have to pay for it. (True/False)
- We will consider whomever has the best qualifications. (True/False)
- Whoever you’re looking for is not here. (True/False)
- You can sit next to whomever you like at the dinner. (True/False)
Answers
- True
- True
- False (Correct usage: “Whoever you choose, make sure they are qualified.”)
- True
- False (Correct usage: “Ask whoever you want to the party.”)
- True
- False (Correct usage: “Whoever broke the vase will have to pay for it.”)
- True
- True
- True
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