Difference between whatever and whichever

This is part of the difference between series.

I’ve heard some people confusing the words whatever and whichever. Here’s the difference between the two.

Whatever

We use whatever when the options are unknown.

  • Take whatever you want.
  • Tell me whatever you feel comfortable with.
  • Whatever I try ends up a disaster.

Whichever

We use whichever when the options are known and limited.

  • Take whichever apple you want.
  • Use whichever green hat seems to suit you.
  • Pick whichever chocolate bar you’d like.

The easiest way to remember the difference between these two words is that which sort of sounds like each, and that implies limited choice.

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By Kim Siever

I am a copywriter and copyeditor. I blog on writing and social media tips mostly, but I sometimes throw in my thoughts about running a small business. Follow me on Twitter at @hotpepper.