SAT Writing - Whoever vs. Whomever
Mistakes when choosing between the words "whoever" and "whomever" essentially result from the same confusion that arises when choosing between "Who" versus "Whom" and the rule is similar.
- "Whoever" is used if "whoever" is the subject of the sentence ("Whoever" could be replaced by "He/Her")
- Whoever hit the ball will win. ("HE" hit the ball)
- Whoever asks first will win. (HE asks first)
- Whoever won gets all the money. (HE won)
- "Whoever" is also used if there are two clauses in the sentence, and HIM + HE can replace WHOEVER
- I will ask whoever is the smartest at the task. I will hire HIM, HE is smartest at the task
- Since the construction is HIM + HE, whoever is correct
- "Whomever" is used if "whomever" am the object of the sentence (Whomever could be replaced by "him/hers)
- I will hire whomever I want. (I will hire HIM)
- Its pretty, whomever it belongs. (It belongs to HIM)
- I'll give it to whomever I want. (I'll give it to HIM)
- "Whomever" is also used if there are two clauses in the sentence and HIM + HIM can replace WHOMEVER
- I will ask whomever you want me to (I will ask HIM, you want me to ask HIM)
- Since the construction is HIM + HIM, whomever is correct
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