Note. This construction is closely related to that explained in [§ 159]. “Whoever deserts you, I will remain faithful,” is practically equivalent to “Whoever deserts you, let him desert you! I will remain faithful.” No antecedent, however, is felt by the speaker, and hence none need be supplied in parsing. Compare concessive clauses ([§ 401]).
161. Which, what, whichever, and whatever are often used as adjectives.
- Use what (or whatever) powers you have.
- Whichever plan you adopt, you have my best wishes.
162. A noun limited by the adjectives what, whichever, and whatever, may have the same double construction that these relatives have when they are used as pronouns ([§ 159]). Thus,—
Take whichever pen is not in use. [Here pen is both the direct object of take, and the subject of is.]
Whoso for whosoever and whatso for whatsoever are common in older English.
INTERROGATIVE PRONOUNS
163. The interrogative pronouns are who, which, and what. They are used in asking questions.[22]
- Who is your neighbor?
- Who goes there?
- Whom have you chosen?
- From whom did you learn this?
- Whose voice is that?
- Which shall I take?
- Which is correct?
- What did he say?
- What is lacking?
- With what are you so delighted?
164. Who has a possessive whose, and an objective whom. Which and what are not inflected.