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Whoever or Whomever?
Whoever or Whomever?
What is the difference between "whoever" and "whomever"?In order to know the difference between "whoever" and "whomever," you must know the difference between a subject and an object in grammar. Don't worry if you don't. It is easier than it sounds, and you already make this distinction with pairings like "he/him" and "they/them." Well, "whoever/whomever" is no different.


"Whoever" Is the Subject of a Verb
"Whoever" is like "he" and "they." All three words are used as the subjects of verbs.Look at these example sentences with "whoever":
- Whoever answers the next question wins the quiz.
- Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping.
(Actress Bo Derek)
(In this example, "whoever" is the subject of the verb "said.")
- Whoever controls the media and the images, controls the culture.
(Poet Allen Ginsberg)
(Here, "whoever" is the subject of the verb "controls.")
"Whomever" Is an Object
"Whomever" is like "him" and "them." All three words are used as objects.Look at these example sentences with "whomever":
- The witch will choose whomever she wants.
- Tell whomever your story.
- Give it to whomever you think will use it most wisely.
Read more about the objects of prepositions.
Read more about objects.
More about "Whoever" and "Whomever"
This sentence might help with understanding the difference between "whoever" and "whomever":- Whoever likes me, and I like whomever.
- He likes me, and I like him.
- They like me, and I like them.
"Whomever" Is Not Posher Than "Whoever"
Don't use "whomever" because you think it makes you sound more educated. (You can only use "whomever" when it's an object, i.e., not the subject of a verb.)"Whomever" Is Not British English
The distinction outlined on this page is true in the US and the UK. Using "whomever" is not a UK writing convention.Interactive Exercise
Here are three randomly selected questions from a larger exercise, which can be edited, printed to create an exercise worksheet, or sent via email to friends or students.- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?