whoever
/huːˈevə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /huːˈevər/ (ame, ipa) · /hü-ˈe-vər/ (ame, mw)
whoever — pronoun
1. Used to refer to a particular person whose name you do not know or have not said
Used to refer to a particular person whose name you do not know or have not said, often when talking about what that person has done or what is true about them.
Whoever parked in the space behind Lakshmi's car should move it now.
whoever + past tense verb for an unidentified specific person
The manager wants to speak to whoever handled the account for the Nguyen family.
Whoever designed this playground clearly thought about children's safety first.
Whoever left the front gate unlocked should make sure it never happens again.
- the person who
more explicit; used when you could name the person but choose not to
文法句型
whoever + verb clause
whoever + past tense verb
2. Any person at all — used to say that a statement or rule applies to every person
Any person at all — used to say that a statement or rule applies to every person who meets a condition, without limiting who that might be.
Whoever wants to join the hiking trip this weekend should sign up by Friday.
whoever wants to + infinitive for a general invitation
The school offers a free bus ride to whoever lives more than three kilometres away.
Whoever finishes the test early may leave the room and wait outside quietly.
Whoever wishes to borrow books from the library needs a valid student card.
- anyone who
interchangeable in most contexts; slightly less formal
- everyone who
emphasises that all such people are included, not just any one
- who
informal and less common in this role; 'who' usually asks a question rather than making a general statement
文法句型
whoever + verb
to/for + whoever + clause
常見錯誤
3. Used in questions instead of 'who' to show strong surprise, shock, confusion, or
Used in questions instead of 'who' to show strong surprise, shock, confusion, or anger about something that happened or that someone did.
Whoever would choose to live in a place with no electricity or running water?
Whoever + would + verb for disbelief
Whoever told you such a ridiculous story about the mayor's family?
Whoever could have left all these dirty dishes in the office kitchen overnight?
Whoever would pay that much money for such an old, broken car?
- who on earth
equally informal; adds even stronger emotion
- who in the world
same meaning, similar level of surprise
文法句型
Whoever + would/could + verb
Whoever + past tense verb (in questions)
用法筆記
This sense is mainly used in informal or strongly emotional speech. In neutral or formal writing, use 'who' instead of 'whoever' when asking a question — the extra emphasis can sound out of place in a serious document or academic text.
常見錯誤
4. No matter who — introduces a situation where a person's identity makes no differ
No matter who — introduces a situation where a person's identity makes no difference to what happens next; the outcome stays the same regardless of which person is involved.
Whoever becomes the next team leader, the project must be finished by June.
Whoever + present tense verb + comma — shows the result does not change
Whoever answers the door, do not let anyone inside without checking their ID first.
Whoever wins the election will face difficult choices about the national budget.
Whoever the committee appoints, the new policy will take effect in January.
- no matter who
identical meaning; more explicit phrasing
- regardless of who
slightly more formal, often used in writing
- whomever
formal object form; less common in everyday speech
文法句型
Whoever + verb, + main clause
Whoever + clause (as fronted adverbial)