Is it “whomever” or “whoever”? Definitions and examples

How to use “whomever”

The word “whomever” is used to replace words like “me,” “him,” “her,” and “them” in a sentence. “Whomever” is an object pronoun, which means that it refers to the object of a sentence. The object of a sentence is the person that is receiving an action.

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For example, the word “whomever” can be used to replace the word “him” in the following sentence:

• Say it to him.
• Say it to whomever.

How to use “whoever”

The word “whoever” is used to replace words like “I,” “he,” “she,” and “they” in a sentence. “Whoever” is a subject pronoun, meaning that it refers to the subject of a clause or sentence. The subject of a clause or sentence is the person doing or performing an action.

For example, the word “whoever” can be used to replace the word “he” in the following sentence:

• He is baking a cake.
• Whoever is baking a cake?

Examples of when to use “whomever” and “whoever”

The easiest way to understand when to use “whomever” versus when to use “whoever” is by looking at examples of the two words in a sentence. The way a sentence is structured can also provide hints on whether or not an object pronoun or a subject pronoun should be used.

Often, the subject is placed at the beginning of a sentence. “Whoever” being used as the subject of a sentence might look something like this:

• Whoever is available can claim these shifts.
• Whoever wants a piece of pizza is welcome to grab a slice.
• Whoever arrives first gets to choose their room.

However, subject pronouns don’t always occur at the beginning of sentences. Sometimes, subject pronouns such as “whoever” can occur later on. To identify whether or not “whoever” or “whomever” should be used in these cases, identify the main verb of the sentence and determine whether the pronoun is the subject or the object of the verb.

Let’s take a look at a few examples.

Incorrect: Whomever finishes last loses the race.
Correct: Whoever finishes last loses the race.

Incorrect: Whomever wants to go on the field trip should get on the bus now.
Correct: Whoever wants to go on the field trip should get on the bus now.

Incorrect: Whomever gets the most votes will become the next president.
Correct: Whoever gets the most votes will become the next president.

Incorrect: She inspires whoever she meets with her art.
Correct: She inspires whomever she meets with her art.

Incorrect: They’ll hire whoever I recommend.
Correct: They’ll hire whomever I recommend.

Incorrect: You should give the prize to whomever you think is the best.
Correct: You should give the prize to whoever you think is the best.

Difference between “who” vs. “whom”

When questioning whether to use “whomever” or “whoever,” you might also question the root of these words—“who” and “whom.” Like “whoever” versus “whomever,” the difference between “who” and “whom” is a difference of object versus subject.

“Who” is a subject, which means it refers to the person performing an action. “Whom” is an object, which means it refers to the person receiving an action. When choosing whether to use “who” versus “whoever” and “whom” versus “whomever” in a sentence, the meaning is slightly more subtle—“who” and “whom” indicate a known subject or object’s identity, whereas using “whoever” or “whomever” shifts the sentence’s emphasis to the verb rather than the subject or object’s identity.

Like all grammar rules, understanding the difference between “whomever” versus “whoever” and “whom” versus “who” might seem tricky at first, but with a little practice, it will become second nature in no time.