---

Whoever vs. Whomever

To determine whether to use whoever or whomever, the he/him rule in the previous section applies:

he = whoever

him = whomever

Rule 1. The presence of whoever or whomever indicates a dependent clause. Use whoever or whomever to agree with the verb in that dependent clause, regardless of the rest of the sentence.

Examples:

Give it to whoever/whomever asks for it first.

He asks for it first. Therefore, whoever is correct.

We will hire whoever/whomever you recommend.

You recommend him. Therefore, whomever is correct.

We will hire whoever/whomever is most qualified.

He is most qualified. Therefore, whoever is correct.

Rule 2. When the entire whoever/whomever clause is the subject of the verb that follows the clause, analyze the clause to determine whether to use whoever or whomever.

Examples:

Whoever is elected will serve a four-year term.

Whoever is the subject of is elected. The clause whoever is elected is the subject of will serve.

Whomever you elect will serve a four-year term.

Whomever is the object of elect. Whomever you elect is the subject of will serve.

A word to the wise: Whomever is even more of a vogue word than whom. Many use it indiscriminately to sound cultured, figuring that no one will know any better.

---