Understanding how to use ever words in English is an important part of becoming more confident and natural in communication. These words appear in everyday conversations, academic texts and workplace discussions, yet many learners find them confusing.
This guide explains each “ever” word in a simple and practical way. It also includes light references to our video lesson with Teacher Janet, where she demonstrates how these words sound in natural contexts.
Key Takeaways
- “Ever” words show flexibility in time, place, person or choice
- Whatever = any thing
- Whoever = any person
- However = any manner or contrast
- Wherever = any place
- Whenever = any time
- Whatsoever = emphasises negatives
Learning how to use ever words in English will help you understand tone, choice and meaning more clearly.
Watch the Lesson
Teacher Janet gives a clear explanation of these important words and demonstrates how they appear in real communication.
Watch the lesson here:
What Are “Ever” Words in English?
“Ever” words are compound words that combine a common English term with ever.
For example:
- whatever
- whoever
- however
- wherever
- whenever
- whatsoever
Each one carries a specific meaning and use, which we explore below.
For more examples, you can check the Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries.
Whatever
Meaning 1: It does not matter what
Use whatever to show that any option, action or result is acceptable.
Examples:
- Whatever happens, I will support you.
- Take whatever you need.
- Do whatever you want.
- Choose whatever colour you like.
Meaning 2: Showing a dismissive tone
In informal speech, whatever can be used to show that something is unimportant or not worth discussing.
Examples:
- “You need to come home early.”
“Whatever.” - “You promised to help.”
“Whatever, fine.”
Whatsoever
Emphasising a negative
Whatsoever is used to make a negative statement stronger.
It appears after words such as no, none or nothing.
Examples:
- I have no idea whatsoever.
- There was no help whatsoever.
- The plan made no difference whatsoever.
- He had no interest whatsoever.
Whichever
It does not matter which
Whichever shows that any one of the possible choices is acceptable.
Examples:
- Choose whichever seat you prefer.
- Whichever option you choose, I will support you.
- Pick whichever book interests you.
- You can take whichever route is faster.
Whoever
Unknown or unimportant person
Whoever means “the person who” or “it does not matter who.”
Use it when the identity is unknown or unimportant.
Examples:
- Send the message to whoever is responsible.
- Whoever answers the phone should take a message.
- Whoever broke this needs to explain it.
- You can invite whoever you like.
However
Meaning 1: In any way or any manner
Use however to show freedom in method or style.
Examples:
- Arrange the furniture however you like.
- Do the task however you find easiest.
- You can style your hair however you prefer.
Meaning 2: Showing contrast
However can also introduce a contrasting idea.
This use is more formal than but and is common in academic, business and written English.
Examples:
- I like the story. However, I did not enjoy the ending.
- The idea is good. However, the cost is high.
- We completed the work. However, changes were necessary.
Wherever
Any place
Wherever means “in any place that” or “every place that.”
Examples:
- Sit wherever you like.
- Wherever she travels, she takes photos.
- Wherever you go in the city, you will find something to do.
- He feels at home wherever he is.
Whenever
Any time or every time
Whenever is used to talk about any time something happens, or to mean “every time.”
Examples:
- Whenever you need help, just ask.
- Whenever he hears that song, he remembers his childhood.
- Call me whenever you arrive.
- Whenever it rains, the streets flood quickly.
Practice Activity
Try writing your own sentences using the following words:
- whatever
- whoever
- however
- wherever
- whenever
- whatsoever
Practising each term will help you remember the differences clearly.Write a sentence using one of the “Ever” words in the comments below.
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