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:
Ever-word+subject+verb |
Some of the Ever-words are:
Let’s study these words thoroughly.
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:
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:
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:
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:
‘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:
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:
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.
Choose the correct option.
You are welcome at my place ______ you like.
You can do ______ you want after completing your homework.
You can invite _____ you like at your birthday party,
You can wear this scarf _____ you like.
I will always enjoy your company _____ you do.