Whoever or Whomever

Subject and Object Pronouns

Pronouns replace nouns in sentences. Two types often confused are subject pronouns and object pronouns.

Whoever is a subject pronoun, used as the subject of a verb.

Example: “Whoever made the cake did a great job.” (“Whoever” is the subject performing the action of making the cake.)

Whomever is an object pronoun, used as the object of a verb or preposition.

Example: “Give the award to whomever you think deserves it.” (“Whomever” is the object of the preposition “to.”)

Rules for Using “Whoever” and “Whomever”

To choose the correct pronoun, identify its role in the sentence.

Rule 1: Use “whoever” when it is the subject of a verb.

Example: “Whoever answers the question correctly will win a prize.” (“Whoever” is the subject of the verb “answers.”)

Rule 2: Use “whomever” when it is the object of a verb or preposition.

Example: “Give the book to whomever you think will enjoy it the most.” (“Whomever” is the object of the preposition “to.”)

Example: “I will listen to whomever speaks the truth.” (“Whomever” is the object of the verb “listen.”)

By following these rules and understanding the pronoun's role in the sentence, you can confidently choose between “whoever” and “whomever.”

Common Questions

What is the difference between “whoever” and “whomever”?

The difference lies in their grammatical roles. “Whoever” is a subject pronoun, acting as the subject of a verb. “Whomever” is an object pronoun, acting as the object of a verb or preposition.

How do you use “whomever” in a sentence?

Use “whomever” when the pronoun is the object of a verb or preposition.

Example: “Give the award to whomever you think deserves it.” (“Whomever” is the object of the preposition “to.”)

Can “whoever” and “whomever” be used interchangeably?

No, they cannot be used interchangeably. “Whoever” is a subject pronoun, while “whomever” is an object pronoun. Using them interchangeably can lead to grammatical errors.

Are there any exceptions to the rules for using “whoever” vs. “whomever”?

While there are no strict exceptions, complex sentences with multiple clauses might make the choice between “whoever” and “whomever” less clear. In such cases, rephrasing the sentence for clarity can be helpful.