Whoever vs. Whomever

Grammar Table of Contents: Finding Subjects and Verbs Subject and Verb Agreement Pronouns Who and Whom Whoever and Whomever Who vs. Which vs. That Adjectives and Adverbs Problems with Prepositions Effective Writing

Rule 1. To determine whether to use whoever or whomever, here is the rule: him + he = whoever him + him = whomever 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 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.
	Examples:	Whoever is elected will serve a four-year term. Whoever is elected is the subject of will serve. Whoever is the subject of is.
		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.