Have you ever wondered if to write “whatever” or “what ever”? These two forms look almost identical, but they serve different purposes in English. Knowing when to use each one can help you write more clearly and avoid common grammar mistakes.
The word “whatever” is the standard choice in most situations. It can mean “anything that,” “no matter what,” or “it doesn’t matter what.” For example, “You can choose whatever you like” means you are free to choose anything you prefer. In contrast, “what ever” is used when “ever” adds special emphasis to “what,” often expressing surprise, disbelief, or confusion. For example, “What ever made you think that?” emphasizes the speaker’s surprise. Although “what ever” is grammatically possible, it is much less common than “whatever.” Understanding the difference will help you choose the right form in everyday conversations, academic writing, emails, and other situations.
Quick Answer: Whatever vs. What Ever
Whatever is the standard one-word form used to mean “anything that,” “no matter what,” or “it doesn’t matter what.” What ever is a less common two-word expression used to emphasize “what,” often in questions expressing surprise or confusion. In most everyday sentences, “whatever” is the correct choice.
Why Do People Confuse Whatever and What Ever?
People often confuse “whatever” and “what ever” because both contain the same two words: “what” and “ever.”
The confusion usually comes from three reasons:
- Similar spelling: Both forms look almost identical.
- Similar pronunciation: In everyday speech, they can sound very similar.
- Different grammatical functions: “Whatever” acts as a pronoun, determiner, or conjunction-like word, while “what ever” uses “ever” to emphasize the question word “what.”
The key is to understand the meaning and purpose of the sentence rather than focusing only on spelling.
What Does “Whatever” Mean?
Whatever is a common English word that generally means “anything that,” “no matter what,” or “it does not matter what.”
It can function as a pronoun, a determiner, or a linking word in a sentence.
1. Whatever as a Pronoun
As a pronoun, “whatever” refers to anything or everything that fits a particular situation.
Examples:
- Take whatever you need.
- Whatever happens, stay calm.
- You can choose whatever you prefer.
2. Whatever as a Determiner
As a determiner, “whatever” comes before a noun and refers to any item or thing that meets a condition.
Examples:
- Choose whatever color you like.
- Whatever decision you make, I will support you.
- You can bring whatever book you want.
3. Whatever Meaning “It Doesn’t Matter”
“Whatever” can also express indifference or a lack of concern.
Examples:
- Whatever, let’s move on.
- You can watch whatever you want.
- Whatever happens next, we will handle it.
Depending on the tone, this use can sound casual, dismissive, or unconcerned.
What Does “What Ever” Mean?
What ever is a two-word expression in which “ever” adds emphasis to the question word “what.”
It is often used to express surprise, disbelief, confusion, or strong curiosity.
Examples of “What Ever”
- What ever made you believe that?
- What ever could she mean?
- What ever happened to your old friend?
- What ever possessed him to do that?
In these examples, “ever” emphasizes the question and makes it sound more intense or expressive.
Important: In many ordinary questions, “what ever” is not needed. Use “whatever” when you mean “anything that” or “no matter what.”
Whatever vs. What Ever: Comparison Table
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Feature
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Whatever
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What ever
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| — | — | — |
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Spelling
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One word
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Two words
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Main meaning
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Anything that; no matter what
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Emphasized “what”
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Common use
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Everyday speech and writing
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Emphatic questions
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Tone
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Neutral, casual, or dismissive
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Surprised or emphatic
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Example
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Take whatever you need.
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What ever made you say that?
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Frequency
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Very common
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Uncommon
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When Should You Use Whatever or What Ever?
Choosing between these forms becomes easier when you focus on the meaning of the sentence.
Use “Whatever” When You Mean “Anything That”
Use “whatever” when referring to any thing, choice, or action that meets a condition.
Examples:
- Eat whatever you want.
- Take whatever belongs to you.
- Whatever you decide is fine with me.
Use “Whatever” When You Mean “No Matter What”
Use “whatever” to show that something remains true regardless of the circumstances.
Examples:
- Whatever happens, keep trying.
- Whatever the outcome, we will learn something.
- Whatever the reason, we need to find a solution.
Use “Whatever” to Express Indifference
In casual conversation, “whatever” can mean that something does not matter to the speaker.
Examples:
- Whatever, I don’t mind.
- Choose whatever you like.
- Whatever works for you is fine.
Use “What Ever” for Emphasis in Questions
Use “what ever” when you want to emphasize “what” and express strong surprise or confusion.
Examples:
- What ever happened to your promise?
- What ever made you think I would agree?
- What ever could be the reason?
In these questions, “ever” adds emotional emphasis rather than introducing the meaning “anything that.”
12 Examples of Whatever and What Ever in Sentences
Here are practical examples that show how each form works in context.
Examples Using “Whatever”
- Take whatever you need. — You can take anything that is useful to you.
- Whatever happens, don’t give up. — No matter what happens, keep going.
- Choose whatever dress you like. — You can choose any dress you prefer.
- Whatever you say, I will listen. — I will listen regardless of what you say.
- She can eat whatever she wants. — She is free to choose any food.
- Whatever the reason, we must finish the work. — The reason does not change what needs to be done.
- You can call me whenever you need help, whatever the time. — The time does not matter.
- Whatever you decide, let me know. — Tell me about any decision you make.
Examples Using “What Ever”
- What ever made you think I was angry? — The speaker is surprised by the other person’s assumption.
- What ever happened to that old restaurant? — The speaker is expressing curiosity or surprise.
- What ever could he be doing here? — The speaker is emphasizing confusion or surprise.
- What ever possessed you to do that? — The speaker is strongly questioning someone’s action.
Common Mistakes When Using Whatever and What Ever
Even experienced English speakers can sometimes confuse these forms. Here are a few mistakes to avoid.
Mistake 1: Writing “What Ever” Instead of “Whatever”
Incorrect for the intended meaning: You can take what ever you want.
Correct: You can take whatever you want.
Use “whatever” when you mean “anything that.”
Mistake 2: Using “Whatever” in Every Emphatic Question
Less suitable when strong emphasis is intended: Whatever made you do that?
More emphatic: What ever made you do that?
The one-word form is not always wrong in questions, but the two-word form can emphasize surprise or disbelief.
Mistake 3: Assuming “Whatever” Is Always Neutral
“Whatever” can sound dismissive depending on the situation.
For example:
- Neutral: Choose whatever you prefer.
- Dismissive: Whatever! I don’t care.
Pay attention to tone and context.
Mistake 4: Thinking “What Ever” Is Always Incorrect
“What ever” is a valid expression when “ever” emphasizes “what.”
For example: “What ever could have happened?”
The important thing is to use it for the intended emphasis rather than as a substitute for “whatever.”
Memory Trick: How to Remember Whatever vs. What Ever
Use this simple trick to remember the difference:
- Whatever = Anything that. If you can replace the word with “anything that” or “no matter what,” write it as one word.
- What ever = Emphasis on what. If you want to stress “what” in a question, the two-word form may be appropriate.
Easy example:
- Whatever you choose is fine. → Anything that you choose is fine.
- What ever made you choose that? → Emphasizes surprise about the choice.
Whatever vs. What Ever in American and British English
The distinction between “whatever” and “what ever” is broadly the same in American and British English.
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English Variety
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Whatever
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What Ever
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| — | — | — |
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American English
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Standard and widely used
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Used for emphasis
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British English
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Standard and widely used
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Used for emphasis
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Neither spelling is exclusively American or British.
In both varieties, “whatever” is the normal spelling for meanings such as “anything that” and “no matter what.” The two-word form is used less frequently and mainly for emphasis.
Similar Words and Expressions
Several other English expressions have meanings related to “whatever” or “what ever.”
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Word or Phrase
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Meaning
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Example
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| — | — | — |
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Whichever
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Any one from a specific set
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Choose whichever you prefer.
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Whoever
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Any person who
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Whoever arrives first can begin.
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Whenever
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At any time that
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Call whenever you need help.
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Wherever
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At any place that
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Sit wherever you like.
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However
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In whatever way; nevertheless
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Do it however you prefer.
|
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Anything
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Any thing at all
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You can choose anything.
|
|
No matter what
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Regardless of what happens
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No matter what happens, keep going.
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These expressions are related in meaning, but each has its own grammatical role and usage.
Final Verdict: Whatever or What Ever?
“Whatever” is the correct choice in most everyday situations. Use it to mean “anything that,” “no matter what,” or “it doesn’t matter what.”
Use “what ever” when you want to emphasize “what” in a question, especially when expressing surprise, disbelief, or confusion.
The easiest way to remember the difference is that “whatever” expresses a broad or unrestricted meaning, while “what ever” adds emphasis to a question.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is “whatever” one word or two words?
“Whatever” is normally written as one word. It means “anything that,” “no matter what,” or “it doesn’t matter what.” The two-word form, “what ever,” is used for emphasis in certain questions.
2. Is “what ever” grammatically correct?
Yes. “What ever” is grammatically correct when “ever” emphasizes the question word “what.” For example, “What ever made you think that?” expresses surprise or disbelief.
3. Should I write “whatever you want” or “what ever you want”?
Write “whatever you want.” It means that someone can choose anything they want. The one-word form is the standard spelling for this meaning.
4. What is the difference between “whatever” and “whatsoever”?
“Whatever” means “anything that” or “no matter what.” “Whatsoever” is often used after a negative expression to add emphasis, as in “There is no evidence whatsoever.” They are related but not interchangeable in every sentence.
5. Can “whatever” sound rude?
Yes. When used as a short response, “whatever” can sound dismissive or indifferent. For example, “Whatever, I don’t care” may suggest annoyance. However, it is neutral in sentences such as “Choose whatever you like.”
6. Is “whatever” the same in American and British English?
Yes. Both American and British English use “whatever” as one word for meanings such as “anything that” and “no matter what.” The two-word form can be used for emphasis in both varieties.
7. How can I easily remember the difference between “whatever” and “what ever”?
Remember that “whatever” means “anything that” or “no matter what.” Use “what ever” when you want to emphasize “what” in a question, such as “What ever happened?”
Remember This
- Whatever: One word meaning “anything that,” “no matter what,” or “it doesn’t matter what.”
- What ever: Two words used to emphasize “what” in certain questions.
- Everyday writing: “Whatever” is the standard choice in most situations.
- Emphatic questions: “What ever” can express surprise, disbelief, or confusion.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “whatever” and “what ever” is simple once you focus on their meanings. “Whatever” is the common one-word form used to express “anything that,” “no matter what,” or indifference. It is the natural choice in most everyday conversations and written sentences.
“What ever” is a less common two-word expression that emphasizes “what” in questions. Remember to use “whatever” for general meanings and “what ever” when you want extra emphasis. With a little practice, you can use both forms confidently and accurately.
