Meaning & use
whatever
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Meanings
pronoun
Anything or everything, without saying which thing; no matter what.
Grammar: Used as the object or subject of a verb: 'Take whatever you want.'
Patterns
- whatever you want
- whatever happens
- whatever it takes
You can order whatever you like from the menu.
Whatever she says, don't argue with her.
Take whatever you need from the fridge.
interjectioninformal
Used to show that you do not care or are not impressed; a dismissive reply.
Grammar: Often used alone as a one-word response; can sound rude.
Patterns
- say whatever
- whatever (as a reply)
"I'm tired." "Whatever. Let's just finish."
He just said "whatever" and left the room.
Whatever! I don't need your help anyway.
Common combinations
- whatever happens
- Whatever happens, stay calm.
- whatever you do
- Whatever you do, don't tell her.
- or whatever
- We can meet at 6 or whatever.
- whatever it takes
- She will do whatever it takes to win.
Synonyms and how they differ
- anything
- Similar meaning but does not carry the 'no matter what' emphasis.
- whatsoever
- More formal and used after a negative; 'whatever' is more general.
Commonly confused: whatever or what ever?
whatever vs what ever
Two words are used in questions like 'What ever do you mean?' but 'whatever' as one word is the usual form.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'whatever' as an interjection showing indifference?
Choose one answer.
As an interjection, 'whatever' stands alone to show indifference. The other options use it as a pronoun meaning 'anything'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “whatever”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.