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Suffix · forms pronouns / adverbs / conjunctions

-ever

Added to question words (what, who, where, when, how, which) to create free relatives meaning "no matter what/who/where/when/how/which."

In Spanish: -quiera / no matter who/whatLiterary

Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated June 2026

What does -ever do?

-ever turns a question word into a free relative or universal form, adding the meaning "no matter which / who / where / when": • what → whatever = no matter what / anything that • who → whoever = no matter who / anyone who • where → wherever = no matter where / anywhere that • when → whenever = no matter when / any time that • how → however = no matter how / in whatever way; also: nevertheless • which → whichever = no matter which / any one that In literature these compounds carry resignation, universality, or dramatic intensity.

Literary and formal uses

The -ever compounds build concessive and free relative clauses in formal prose: • "Whatever happens, we must remain calm." • "Whoever reads these words will understand." • "Wherever she went, trouble followed." • "Whenever I hear that song, I think of you." "However" has a special role as a contrast connector: "The plan seemed solid. However, it failed." It is one of the most common connectors in academic writing.

However: the most frequent compound

"However" is the most common -ever compound in formal and academic English. It works in two ways: 1. Degree adverb: "However hard you try, you cannot change the past." (= no matter how hard) 2. Contrast connector (= nevertheless): "The results were promising. However, the sample was too small." Knowing both uses is essential for academic writing.

How it is pronounced

-ever/ˈɛvər/ · sounds like "éver"

Tap the button to hear how the ending sounds. Each word in the table has its own audio.

Examples

Base word
With -ever
In a phrase
  • whatwhateverWhatever you decide, I will support you.
  • whowhoeverWhoever did this must come forward.
  • wherewhereverWherever she went, she brought joy.
  • whenwheneverCome and visit whenever you like.
  • howhoweverThe task was difficult. However, they succeeded.
  • whichwhicheverWhichever restaurant you choose tonight, make sure it has good vegetarian options.

Common mistakes

However I think...
I think, however, ... / However, I think...

"However" as a contrast connector must be set off by commas, either mid-sentence or followed by a comma at the start of a sentence.

whenever that I see you
whenever I see you

-ever compounds already include the relative function — never add "that" after them.

whatsoever / whosoever
whatever / whoever

"Whatsoever" and "whosoever" are archaic or very formal biblical forms. Modern English uses "whatever" and "whoever".

A trick to remember it

"Whoever" vs "whomever": in formal English, "whoever" is the subject form and "whomever" is the object form. "Whoever did this will be caught" (subject). "Give it to whomever you trust most" (object). In practice, "whoever" is accepted in both contexts in modern English, but mastering the distinction signals high-level writing.

Practise what you learned

Exercise 1 · Form the word

Fill in: "___ you are, you are welcome here." (no matter who you are)

Hint: Free relative form based on "who."

Exercise 2 · Pick the right one

"However hard she tried, she could not solve it." What does "however" mean here?

Exercise 3 · Form the word

Fill in: "___ happens, stay calm." (no matter what happens)

Hint: Free relative based on "what."

Frequently asked questions

What does the suffix -ever mean in English?

The suffix -ever added to question words (what, who, where, when, how, which) to create free relatives meaning "no matter what/who/where/when/how/which." In Spanish it usually maps to -quiera / no matter who/what.

How do you pronounce -ever?

The ending -ever is pronounced /ˈɛvər/ · sounds like "éver". For example, "whatever".

Can you give an example of a word with -ever?

"what" becomes "whatever". It is a typical example of the -ever suffix.

Other useful suffixes

  • -bound

    From the past participle of "bind": forms adjectives meaning "confined by," "heading toward," or "obligated by." Spellbound, earthbound, homebound, hidebound, snowbound, inbound.

  • -ward / -wards

    From Old English "-weard" (direction): forms adverbs and adjectives of direction or tendency. Inward, outward, forward, wayward, awkward.

  • -where

    Combines with some, no, every, any, and else to create indefinite place adverbs: somewhere, nowhere, everywhere, anywhere, elsewhere.

Learn every English suffix

-tion, -ness, -ful, -ly, -able... every ending you need to understand thousands of words at once.

View all suffixes
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