Whatever is a commonly used term in the English language. However, most of the time, people get confused about whether to use the word whatever or what ever. The answer is that both words can stand correct depending on the differing circumstances. Let us discuss them below.
Difference between whatever and what ever
Whatever
Whatever is basically a noun in English grammar. It is a word that is similar to the terms such as anything, everything, or no matter what. However, it can also act as an adjective and adverb. As an adjective, it can pursue the meaning of “of any kind,” and as an adverb, it can mean “in any case.”
For example:
- Buy whatever dress you want to buy.
- Whatever you may say, the teacher will not listen to you in any case.
- You are telling me you cannot come today? Whatever!
- Wear that saree in whatever way you like.
What ever
On the other hand, the term what ever is commonly considered a spelling or structure mistake of whatever. However, that is not true in every case. What ever can also stand correct when your aim is not to refer to the above-mentioned meanings but instead use a more emphatic nature of the word ever. It basically indicates a question about a period.
For example:
- What ever does she mean by saying that?
- What ever could have gone wrong?
As we see, whatever is different from what ever. The latter is more emphatic in nature.