The definition of whatever in Lexico (Oxford Dictionaries) is Used for emphasis instead of ‘what’ in questions, typically expressing surprise or confusion. Asking "Whatever happened to [somebody]?" suggests to me this slight element of 'mystery' - perhaps like somebody who used to be very famous, but who hasn't been seen or heard of for years.
Hello! I'm a bit confused with two similar expressions in the title. My understanding was: for whatever reason= meaning "some kind of reason", whatever is used as an adjective modifying the noun reason whatever the reason= meaning "whatever the reason is/no matter what the reason is", is being...
I would like to know your opinion about the difference,in meaning and usage (if there is any of it), between whatsoever and whatever. Thank you very much!
What happens happens. Whatever will happen will happen. What is the deference？ I believe you mean difference, not deference. The difference between "happens" and "will happen" is that what "happens" includes what has happened already, whereas what "will happen" is all in the future. Both sentences seem fatalistic.
The American Heritage Dictionary seems to allow both: Both whatever and what ever may be used in sentences such as Whatever (or What ever) made her say that? Critics have occasionally objected to the one-word form, but many respected writers have used it. The same is true of the forms whoever, whenever, wherever, and however.
Whatever obstacle is correct and means any obstacle, any at all. Whichever obstacle is also correct but the meaning is different - any of the already mentioned obstacles.
Hi everyone, I would like to know the part of speech that the "whatever" is serving in the following sentence. The building must be saved, whatever the cost.
Whatever is an adverb. Often (but not always), when an adverb (or adjective) fronts a clause, the verb and the subject may be inverted. Your second example is an example of inversion.
I pretty much agree, but I think that "yeah, whatever" is an expression for "to be indifferent, not to care", i.e. the two words together form a single unit of meaning (lexical item).
Hello, could you please help me? Whatever the situation may be, don’t lie to the person you love Whatever situation you are in, don’t lie to the person you love Don’t lie to the person you love, whatever happens.
