Whoever vs Whomever: Understanding the Difference
Table of Content:
Whoever vs. Whomever
To determine whether to use whoever or whomever, the he/him rule in the previous section applies:
he = whoever
him = whomever
Rule 1. The presence of whoever or whomever indicates a dependent clause. Use whoever or whomever to agree with the verb in that dependent clause, regardless of the rest of the sentence.
Examples:
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Give it to whoever/whomever asks for it first. |
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He asks for it first. Therefore, whoever is correct. |
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We will hire whoever/whomever you recommend. |
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You recommend him. Therefore, whomever is correct. |
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We will hire whoever/whomever is most qualified. |
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He is most qualified. Therefore, whoever is correct. |
Rule 2. When the entire whoever/whomever clause is the subject of the verb that follows the clause, analyze the clause to determine whether to use whoever or whomever.
Examples:
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Whoever is elected will serve a four-year term. |
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Whoever is the subject of is elected. The clause whoever is elected is the subject of will serve. |
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Whomever you elect will serve a four-year term. |
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Whomever is the object of elect. Whomever you elect is the subject of will serve. |
A word to the wise: Whomever is even more of a vogue word than whom. Many use it indiscriminately to sound cultured, figuring that no one will know any better.