Whoever vs. Whomever

Jul 18, 2016

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Rule 1
To determine whether to use whoever or whomever, here is the rule:
- Examples:
  Give it to whoever/whomever asks for it first.
  Give it to him. He asks for it first.
  Therefore, Give it to whoever asks for it first.
  We will hire whoever/ whomever you recommend. We will hire him. You recommend him.
  him + him = whomever
- Example:
  We will hire whoever/whomever is most qualified.
  We will hire him. He is most qualified. him + he = whoever
Rule 2
When the entire whoever/whomever clause is the subject of the verb that follows the clause, look inside the clause to determine whether to use whoever or whomever.
- Example:
  Whoever is elected will serve a four-year term.
  Whoever is elected is the subject of will serve.
  Whoever is the subject of is.
- Example:
  Whomever you elect will serve a four-year term.
  Whomever you elect is the subject of will serve.
  Whomever is the object of you elect.