However, Whenever, Whatever, and More

English is a language that is very rich in flexibility and the words “however”, “whenever”, “whatever” and such other words are probably some of the most interesting words that one will meet. They are capable of embellishing, modifying and adding detail and color to your sentences and hence enhancing the quality of your communication. Be it a beginner or intermediate learner, mastering these terms can take your English further.

Now, let us take a closer look at each of these words and understand how you can make the best use of them in your speech and writing.

However: Adding Contrast and Flexibility

Meaning and Usage

“However” is one of those words that you will get familiar with when it comes to the English language because it is very common and uses it in most formal writing speech. ‘However’ is a word that indicates contradiction or an exception, and it is quite handy to help you go around most if not all, of the sentences you construct.

Examples:   

1. I wanted to go for a run; however, it started raining.
2. She is very fond of chocolate. However, she is intolerant to it.
3. The task seemed simple. However, it was more challenging than expected.

In each of these examples, ‘however’ brings out a distinction from the first half of the sentence. For instance, it’s like saying ‘Hold on, there’s still more to this picture!’ Or ‘wait a minute, this is not the only thing.’

Placement in sentences

Placed ‘however’ before/ after/ and within the sentence to suit your purpose. In short, there is no limit on how you input your thoughts.

• Beginning: However, we should consider all the options before making a decision.
• Middle: We should, however, consider all the options before making a decision.
• End: We should consider all the options before making a decision, however.

For each placement, there is a change of emphasis in a way but the overall thought does not change.

Friendly Tip: When ‘however’ is used in between the sentence, for your own good, don’t forget to put a comma on either side of it.

Whenever: Time on Your Terms

Meaning and usage

‘Whenever’ is also a temporal word which unfortunately is not restrictive. It is synonymous to “at any set time” or “at every point in time” which is along the lines of the elastic effect of this idiom.

Examples: 

1. Call me whenever you are in trouble.
2. Come and see us whenever you feel like.
3. Whenever he comes, he brings a present.

“Whenever” has to do with one’s willingness to be open and to accept possibilities. It lets the audience know that the scope is solely on them.

Conditional Use

“Whenever” can also imply the meaning ‘every time that’ or ‘each time that’ in a conditional sense.

• Whenever I see her, always there is a smile on her face.
• He is always on his toes whenever there is a speech to be made at an event or before a group of many individuals.

In these cases, the term ‘whenever’ gives such a connotation to an event that it is not only possible but very likely that it will occur if conditions stated are met.

Friendly Tip: Use whenever in a way that shows that you do not have problems or that you are willing to work around them. This is great for making the right impression and lifting up the tone of your conversations.

Whatever: Any Option is Acceptable and Everything is Allowed

Meaning and Usage

“Whatever” is a word that loves to accommodate ways or actions unrelated to the stake – a risk. It is quite simple: it is used when one wishes to leave the possibility of any variant of answer from one’s interlocutor and to say that one does not care what it will be.

Examples: 

1. You can choose whatever you like from the menu.
2. Do whatever is needed, to make yourself happy.
3. She will wear whatever she feels like bringing to the party.

“Whatever” does not encourage rather demands and advocates for every possibility that can be internalized and the reader or their listener be able to make any choice that does not have boundaries.

Expressing Indifference

Sometimes, “whatever” is used to express indifference, often in a casual or dismissive way.

• Person A: Do you want pizza or burgers?
• Person B: Whatever, I don’t mind.

In this context, “whatever” shows that the speaker doesn’t have a strong preference.

Friendly Tip: Be cautious about your attitude while saying “whatever” to express indifference. It can be dose as uninterested or dismissive depending on how it is said.