Nominal, or free, relative clauses let a single clause act as an entire noun phrase, with no separate antecedent required, as in what she said surprised everyone. Whichever implies choosing among a limited, known set of options, as in choose whichever dessert you prefer, whereas whatever is open-ended.
Grammar Rule
What means the thing(s) that and never follows an explicit antecedent noun. Whatever means anything that (nominal) or no matter what (concessive). Whoever works the same way for people. Whichever implies choosing among a limited, known set of options, whereas whatever is open-ended.
What, Whatever, Whoever, Whichever in Nominal Relative Clauses: Rules and Examples
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| What | the thing(s) that, no antecedent | What she said surprised everyone. |
| Whichever | choice from a limited set | Choose whichever dessert you prefer. |
| Whatever | open-ended, unrestricted | Whatever you eat is your choice. |
Remember: What and its compounds create self-contained noun clauses with no antecedent; reserve whichever for a limited set of options and whatever for open-ended possibilities.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using what, whatever, whoever, and whichever correctly. 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.
C2-26 "What", "Whatever", "Whoever", "Whichever" Nominal Relative Clauses
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does what mean in a nominal relative clause?
The thing(s) that, as in what she said surprised everyone, with no antecedent noun.
What does whichever imply?
Choosing among a limited, known set of options, as in choose whichever dessert you prefer.
What does whatever imply?
An open-ended, unrestricted choice, as in whatever you eat is your choice.
How does whoever work compared to what?
The same way, but referring to people instead of things.