Whatever, whoever, however: no matter what
Universal concession: whatever happens, whoever calls, however hard it gets; no matter + wh-word; wherever/whenever
I can build whatever/whoever/however concessions and their no matter twins.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Whatever the jury decides, the cake contest brought the whole street together.
Whatever the jury decides, the cake contest brought the whole street together.
However loudly you knock, that dog will sleep through it - whoever you are.
However loudly you knock, that dog will sleep through it - whoever you are.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
wh-word + ever = no matter which:
| Word | Example |
|---|---|
| whatever | Whatever happens, stay calm. |
| whoever | Whoever calls, say I'm out. |
| however + adj/adv | However hard it gets, keep going. |
| wherever / whenever | Wherever you go, take water. |
Synonym: no matter what/who/how: No matter how hard it gets... Inside: present tense for future (whatever happens, not will happen). Note however's second life as 'but' needs a comma: However, we stayed.
- will inside ever-clauses: whatever happens, not will happen
- however + adjective vs however-'but' confused
Common Error Patterns
will inside ever-clauses
Present tense for future inside
Concessive vs linking however
however + adj = concession; However, = but
Whatever the jury decides, the cake contest brought the whole street together.
Whatever the jury decides, the cake contest brought the whole street together.
whatever + present: the universal concession.
However loudly you knock, that dog will sleep through it - whoever you are.
However loudly you knock, that dog will sleep through it - whoever you are.
however + adverb, whoever as a tail.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in B2 course exercises