Whatever functions as a determiner before a noun, forming a concessive clause equivalent to no matter what plus noun, keeping normal subject-verb order, as in whatever decision he makes, I’ll support him. Never add a redundant that after the noun; whichever implies a choice from a limited set instead.
Grammar Rule
Whatever functions as a determiner before a noun, forming a concessive clause equivalent to no matter what plus noun. The clause keeps normal subject-verb order, and never adds a redundant that after the noun. Whatever implies an open, unlimited range of possibilities, unlike whichever, which implies a choice from a limited set.
Whatever + Noun + Subject + Verb: Rules and Examples
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Whatever + noun + subject + verb | no matter what plus noun | Whatever decision he makes, I’ll support him. |
| Common error | adding redundant that | Whatever decision that he makes (incorrect) |
| vs. Whichever + noun | choice from a limited, implied set | Whichever job is available. |
Remember: Whatever plus noun plus subject plus verb — normal word order, and never add that after the noun.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using whatever correctly as a concessive determiner. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C1-20 Whatever + Noun + Subject + Verb
No necesitas registrarte para empezar. Al finalizar verás tu calificación de inmediato, y si quieres podrás agregar tu nombre para personalizar y descargar tu resultado.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does whatever plus a noun mean?
No matter what plus that noun, as in whatever decision he makes, I’ll support him.
Can that follow the noun after whatever?
No, adding that after the noun is a common error.
How does whatever differ from whichever?
Whatever implies an open, unlimited range of possibilities, while whichever implies a choice from a limited set.
What word order follows whatever plus noun?
Normal subject-verb order, with no auxiliary inversion.