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Using what, whoever, whichever, whatever and other advanced relative structures.
Practice: build the sentences →English has relative constructions that combine the functions of a relative marker and the noun or noun phrase it refers to.
Important examples include what, whatever, whoever, and whichever, as well as related fused relative constructions.
I know what you mean.
Я знаю, что ты имеешь в виду.
The fused relative "what you mean" combines the function of a relative marker and the noun it refers to.
Take whatever you need.
Возьми всё, что тебе нужно.
The fused relative "whatever you need" means "anything that you need".
Whoever finishes first can leave.
Кто закончит первым, может уйти.
"Whoever" introduces a fused relative clause meaning "any person who".
Choose whichever option you prefer.
Выбери любой вариант, который ты предпочитаешь.
"Whichever" introduces a fused relative referring to a limited set.
What she said surprised me.
То, что она сказала, удивило меня.
"What she said" is a fused relative clause functioning as the subject.
What can mean the thing that or the things that and introduces a clause without a separate antecedent noun.
For example, Take what you need means Take the things that you need.
Take what you need.
Возьми то, что тебе нужно.
"What you need" means "the things that you need".
I understand what you mean.
Я понимаю, что ты имеешь в виду.
"What you mean" means "the thing that you mean".
What she said surprised me.
То, что она сказала, удивило меня.
"What she said" means "the thing that she said".
He didn't know what to do.
Он не знал, что делать.
"What to do" is a fused relative meaning "the thing that he should do".
I took what I needed.
Я взял то, что мне было нужно.
"What I needed" means "the things that I needed".
What is normally used without a separate antecedent noun when it has the meaning of the thing that.
Use I know what you mean, not I know the thing what you mean. Use the thing that when an antecedent noun is present.
I know what you mean.
Я знаю, что ты имеешь в виду.
Correct: "what" is used without an antecedent.
I know the thing that you mean.
Я знаю то, что ты имеешь в виду.
Correct: "the thing that" uses an antecedent.
I know the thing what you mean.
Я знаю то, что ты имеешь в виду.
Incorrect: "what" cannot follow an antecedent noun.
Take what you need.
Возьми то, что тебе нужно.
Correct: "what" stands alone.
Take the things that you need.
Возьми те вещи, которые тебе нужны.
Correct: "the things that" uses an antecedent.
What can refer to an unspecified thing or set of things, depending on context.
For example, What she said surprised me and I took what I needed.
What she said surprised me.
То, что она сказала, удивило меня.
"What" refers to an unspecified thing.
I took what I needed.
Я взял то, что мне было нужно.
"What" refers to a set of things.
He didn't understand what was happening.
Он не понимал, что происходит.
"What" refers to an unspecified situation.
What you did was wrong.
То, что ты сделал, было неправильно.
"What" refers to an action.
I'll tell you what I know.
Я расскажу тебе то, что знаю.
"What" refers to information.
What can function as the subject of a fused relative clause.
For example, What happened yesterday was unexpected.
What happened yesterday was unexpected.
То, что случилось вчера, было неожиданным.
"What" is the subject of the fused relative clause "what happened yesterday".
What she said surprised me.
То, что она сказала, удивило меня.
"What" is the subject of the clause "what she said".
What he did was unacceptable.
То, что он сделал, было неприемлемо.
"What" is the subject of "what he did".
What matters most is your health.
Что важнее всего, так это твоё здоровье.
"What" is the subject of "what matters most".
What you need is a good rest.
То, что тебе нужно, — это хороший отдых.
"What" is the subject of "what you need".
What can function as the object of the verb inside a fused relative clause.
For example, I understand what you mean.
I understand what you mean.
Я понимаю, что ты имеешь в виду.
"What" is the object of "mean".
She didn't know what to do.
Она не знала, что делать.
"What" is the object of "do".
I took what I needed.
Я взял то, что мне было нужно.
"What" is the object of "needed".
He explained what he wanted.
Он объяснил, что хотел.
"What" is the object of "wanted".
Tell me what you think.
Скажи мне, что ты думаешь.
"What" is the object of "think".
What-clauses can function as subjects or complements in sentences with be.
For example, What I need is more time and This is what I wanted.
What I need is more time.
То, что мне нужно, — это больше времени.
The what-clause "What I need" is the subject of "is".
This is what I wanted.
Это то, что я хотел.
The what-clause "what I wanted" is the complement.
What she said was true.
То, что она сказала, было правдой.
The what-clause "What she said" is the subject of "was".
That is what matters.
Это то, что важно.
The what-clause "what matters" is the complement.
What he did was a mistake.
То, что он сделал, было ошибкой.
The what-clause "What he did" is the subject of "was".
A what-clause can function as a subject complement after be, identifying or describing what the subject represents.
For example, The problem is what we should do next.
The problem is what we should do next.
Проблема в том, что нам делать дальше.
The what-clause "what we should do next" is the subject complement.
That is what I meant.
Это то, что я имел в виду.
The what-clause "what I meant" is the subject complement.
This is what you need.
Это то, что тебе нужно.
The what-clause "what you need" is the subject complement.
The question is what he will say.
Вопрос в том, что он скажет.
The what-clause "what he will say" is the subject complement.
The truth is what we all know.
Правда в том, что мы все знаем.
The what-clause "what we all know" is the subject complement.
Whoever means any person who and can introduce a fused relative clause referring to an unspecified person.
For example, Whoever finishes first can leave.
Whoever finishes first can leave.
Кто закончит первым, может уйти.
"Whoever" means "any person who".
Whoever told you that was mistaken.
Тот, кто сказал тебе это, ошибался.
"Whoever" means "the person who".
Invite whoever you want.
Пригласи кого хочешь.
"Whoever" means "any person whom".
Whoever arrives late will miss the beginning.
Кто придёт поздно, пропустит начало.
"Whoever" means "any person who".
Whoever wrote this letter must have known the truth.
Тот, кто написал это письмо, должно быть, знал правду.
"Whoever" means "the person who".
Whoever can function as the subject of a clause.
For example, Whoever told you that was mistaken.
Whoever told you that was mistaken.
Тот, кто сказал тебе это, ошибался.
"Whoever" is the subject of "told".
Whoever finishes first can leave.
Кто закончит первым, может уйти.
"Whoever" is the subject of "finishes".
Whoever arrives late will miss the beginning.
Кто придёт поздно, пропустит начало.
"Whoever" is the subject of "arrives".
Whoever wants to join should sign up.
Кто хочет присоединиться, должен записаться.
"Whoever" is the subject of "wants".
Whoever calls first will get the prize.
Кто первым позвонит, получит приз.
"Whoever" is the subject of "calls".
Whoever can function as the object of a verb.
For example, Invite whoever you want.
Invite whoever you want.
Пригласи кого хочешь.
"Whoever" is the object of "want".
You can ask whoever you like.
Ты можешь спросить кого угодно.
"Whoever" is the object of "ask".
Give it to whoever needs it.
Отдай это тому, кому это нужно.
"Whoever" is the object of the preposition "to".
I'll support whoever wins.
Я поддержу того, кто победит.
"Whoever" is the object of "support".
She thanked whoever had helped her.
Она поблагодарила того, кто ей помог.
"Whoever" is the object of "thanked".
Whatever means anything that or any thing or matter that and can introduce a fused relative clause.
For example, Take whatever you need.
Take whatever you need.
Возьми всё, что тебе нужно.
"Whatever" means "anything that".
Choose whatever you like.
Выбери то, что тебе нравится.
"Whatever" means "any thing that".
Whatever happens, stay calm.
Что бы ни случилось, сохраняй спокойствие.
"Whatever" means "no matter what".
Do whatever makes you happy.
Делай то, что делает тебя счастливым.
"Whatever" means "anything that".
She can choose whatever she wants.
Она может выбрать всё, что захочет.
"Whatever" means "anything that".
Whatever can express that there is no restriction on which thing, action, or option is selected.
For example, Choose whatever you like.
Choose whatever you like.
Выбери то, что тебе нравится.
"Whatever" expresses unrestricted choice.
Take whatever you want.
Возьми всё, что хочешь.
"Whatever" indicates no restriction.
You can do whatever you please.
Ты можешь делать всё, что тебе угодно.
"Whatever" shows unrestricted choice.
Eat whatever you find in the fridge.
Съешь всё, что найдёшь в холодильнике.
"Whatever" means any thing.
Say whatever comes to mind.
Говори всё, что придёт в голову.
"Whatever" expresses no restriction.
Whichever refers to any one of a limited or known set of alternatives.
For example, Choose whichever option is cheaper.
Choose whichever option is cheaper.
Выбери тот вариант, который дешевле.
"Whichever" refers to a limited set of options.
Take whichever bus comes first.
Садись на тот автобус, который придёт первым.
"Whichever" refers to a known set of buses.
Whichever route you take, you will arrive eventually.
Какой бы маршрут ты ни выбрал, ты в конце концов приедешь.
"Whichever" refers to a limited set of routes.
You can sit whichever seat you like.
Ты можешь сесть на любое место, которое тебе нравится.
"Whichever" refers to a limited set of seats.
Whichever team wins will play in the final.
Какая бы команда ни победила, она будет играть в финале.
"Whichever" refers to a limited set of teams.
Whatever expresses unrestricted choice, while whichever normally refers to a choice from a particular or limited set.
Compare Take whatever you want with Choose whichever of these three you prefer.
Take whatever you want.
Возьми всё, что хочешь.
"Whatever" expresses unrestricted choice.
Choose whichever of these three you prefer.
Выбери тот из этих трёх, который ты предпочитаешь.
"Whichever" refers to a limited set.
You can say whatever you like.
Ты можешь говорить всё, что хочешь.
"Whatever" has no restriction.
Choose whichever option is available.
Выбери тот вариант, который доступен.
"Whichever" refers to a limited set.
Do whatever you think is best.
Делай то, что считаешь лучшим.
"Whatever" is unrestricted.
Whoever can often correspond to anyone who, but whoever forms a single fused relative construction without a separate noun.
For example, Whoever arrives first can start the meeting is similar to Anyone who arrives first can start the meeting.
Whoever arrives first can start the meeting.
Кто придёт первым, может начать собрание.
Similar to "Anyone who arrives first can start the meeting".
Anyone who arrives first can start the meeting.
Любой, кто придёт первым, может начать собрание.
Uses an antecedent noun "Anyone".
Whoever wants to join should sign up.
Кто хочет присоединиться, должен записаться.
Fused relative with "whoever".
Anyone who wants to join should sign up.
Любой, кто хочет присоединиться, должен записаться.
Uses "Anyone who".
Whoever told you that was mistaken.
Тот, кто сказал тебе это, ошибался.
Fused relative with "whoever".
Whatever can often correspond to anything that in meaning.
For example, Whatever you choose is fine is similar to Anything that you choose is fine.
Whatever you choose is fine.
Всё, что ты выберешь, хорошо.
Similar to "Anything that you choose is fine".
Anything that you choose is fine.
Всё, что ты выберешь, хорошо.
Uses "Anything that".
Take whatever you need.
Возьми всё, что тебе нужно.
Fused relative with "whatever".
Take anything that you need.
Возьми всё, что тебе нужно.
Uses "anything that".
Whatever happens, stay calm.
Что бы ни случилось, сохраняй спокойствие.
Fused relative with concessive meaning.
Whichever can identify one item from a limited set in a way similar to any one that or any of the options that.
For example, Choose whichever route is faster refers to a choice among known alternatives.
Choose whichever route is faster.
Выбери тот маршрут, который быстрее.
Refers to a choice among known alternatives.
Choose any route that is faster.
Выбери любой маршрут, который быстрее.
Uses "any that".
Whichever option you pick, you will be satisfied.
Какой бы вариант ты ни выбрал, ты будешь доволен.
Limited set with "whichever".
Any option that you pick will satisfy you.
Любой вариант, который ты выберешь, удовлетворит тебя.
Uses "any that".
Take whichever bus comes first.
Садись на тот автобус, который придёт первым.
Limited set with "whichever".
Fused relative constructions can appear with modal verbs when the result or possibility is hypothetical.
For example, Whoever may have taken the keys should return them and Whatever may happen, stay calm.
Whoever may have taken the keys should return them.
Кто бы ни взял ключи, он должен их вернуть.
Modal "may" in fused relative.
Whatever may happen, stay calm.
Что бы ни случилось, сохраняй спокойствие.
Modal "may" in concessive.
Whoever can solve this problem will get a prize.
Кто сможет решить эту проблему, получит приз.
Modal "can" in fused relative.
Whatever you might think, I disagree.
Что бы ты ни думал, я не согласен.
Modal "might" in concessive.
Whoever should arrive late must wait.
Кто бы ни пришёл поздно, должен ждать.
Modal "should" in fused relative.
Forms such as whoever, whatever, and whichever contain ever-elements that contribute a meaning of unrestricted or indefinite reference.
The choice between who, what, which, and the corresponding -ever form depends on whether the reference is definite, indefinite, or unrestricted.
Whoever finishes first can leave.
Кто закончит первым, может уйти.
"Whoever" contains "ever" for unrestricted reference.
Whatever you need is here.
Всё, что тебе нужно, здесь.
"Whatever" contains "ever".
Whichever option you choose is fine.
Какой бы вариант ты ни выбрал, всё хорошо.
"Whichever" contains "ever".
Whoever called left a message.
Кто звонил, оставил сообщение.
"Whoever" indefinite.
Whatever happens, we will manage.
Что бы ни случилось, мы справимся.
"Whatever" unrestricted.
Fused relative expressions can occur with to-infinitives when the meaning involves selecting or identifying something to do, use, or choose.
For example, Choose whichever to use first is possible only in contexts where the intended ellipsis is clear; more explicit forms such as whichever one to use are often preferred.
Choose whichever to use first.
Выбери, что использовать первым.
Possible but awkward; "whichever one to use" is clearer.
Choose whichever one to use first.
Выбери, какой из них использовать первым.
More explicit than "whichever to use".
I don't know what to do.
Я не знаю, что делать.
"What to do" is standard.
She couldn't decide which to choose.
Она не могла решить, что выбрать.
"Which to choose" is possible but "which one" is clearer.
He told me what to say.
Он сказал мне, что говорить.
"What to say" is common.
Whatever can introduce a concessive clause meaning regardless of what happens or what is true.
For example, Whatever happens, we will continue.
Whatever happens, we will continue.
Что бы ни случилось, мы продолжим.
Concessive "whatever" meaning "no matter what".
Whatever you say, I won't change my mind.
Что бы ты ни говорил, я не изменю своего решения.
Concessive "whatever".
Whatever the weather, we'll go out.
В любую погоду мы пойдём гулять.
Concessive "whatever".
Whatever he does, he does it well.
Что бы он ни делал, он делает это хорошо.
Concessive "whatever".
Whatever the outcome, we tried our best.
Каким бы ни был результат, мы сделали всё возможное.
Concessive "whatever".
Whoever can introduce a concessive clause meaning regardless of who performs the action or satisfies the condition.
For example, Whoever wins, we will support the team.
Whoever wins, we will support the team.
Кто бы ни победил, мы будем поддерживать команду.
Concessive "whoever" meaning "no matter who".
Whoever you choose, make sure they are qualified.
Кого бы ты ни выбрал, убедись, что они квалифицированы.
Concessive "whoever".
Whoever calls, tell them I'm out.
Кто бы ни звонил, скажи, что меня нет.
Concessive "whoever".
Whoever did this, they will be punished.
Кто бы это ни сделал, они будут наказаны.
Concessive "whoever".
Whoever comes, we'll welcome them.
Кто бы ни пришёл, мы его поприветствуем.
Concessive "whoever".
Whichever can introduce a concessive or unrestricted alternative clause involving a limited set of possibilities.
For example, Whichever route you take, you will arrive eventually.
Whichever route you take, you will arrive eventually.
Какой бы маршрут ты ни выбрал, ты в конце концов приедешь.
Concessive "whichever" from a limited set.
Whichever option you choose, there will be consequences.
Какой бы вариант ты ни выбрал, будут последствия.
Concessive "whichever".
Whichever team wins, it will be a good match.
Какая бы команда ни победила, это будет хороший матч.
Concessive "whichever".
Whichever way you look at it, the situation is difficult.
Как на это ни посмотри, ситуация сложная.
Concessive "whichever".
Whichever day you come, I'll be here.
В любой день ты придёшь, я буду здесь.
Concessive "whichever".
Whatever can often express a meaning similar to no matter what in concessive clauses.
For example, Whatever happens, stay calm is similar to No matter what happens, stay calm.
Whatever happens, stay calm.
Что бы ни случилось, сохраняй спокойствие.
Similar to "No matter what happens, stay calm."
No matter what happens, stay calm.
Что бы ни случилось, сохраняй спокойствие.
Uses "no matter what".
Whatever you do, don't give up.
Что бы ты ни делал, не сдавайся.
Concessive "whatever".
No matter what you do, don't give up.
Что бы ты ни делал, не сдавайся.
Uses "no matter what".
Whatever the cost, we must succeed.
Чего бы это ни стоило, мы должны добиться успеха.
Concessive "whatever".
Whoever can express a meaning similar to no matter who when introducing a concessive clause.
For example, Whoever you choose, make sure they are qualified is similar to No matter who you choose, make sure they are qualified.
Whoever you choose, make sure they are qualified.
Кого бы ты ни выбрал, убедись, что они квалифицированы.
Similar to "No matter who you choose...".
No matter who you choose, make sure they are qualified.
Кого бы ты ни выбрал, убедись, что они квалифицированы.
Uses "no matter who".
Whoever calls, tell them I'm out.
Кто бы ни звонил, скажи, что меня нет.
Concessive "whoever".
No matter who calls, tell them I'm out.
Кто бы ни звонил, скажи, что меня нет.
Uses "no matter who".
Whoever wins, we will support the team.
Кто бы ни победил, мы будем поддерживать команду.
Concessive "whoever".
What introduces an unrestricted thing or set of things, while which normally requires an antecedent or identifies an item from a known set.
For example, I will take what you offer differs from I will take the option which you recommend.
I will take what you offer.
Я возьму то, что ты предложишь.
"What" introduces an unrestricted thing.
I will take the option which you recommend.
Я возьму вариант, который ты рекомендуешь.
"Which" requires an antecedent "the option".
She didn't know what to do.
Она не знала, что делать.
"What" fused relative.
She didn't know which to choose.
Она не знала, что выбрать.
"Which" refers to a known set.
What he said was true.
То, что он сказал, было правдой.
"What" fused relative.
Fused relative clauses can function as subjects, objects, complements, and other noun-like constituents in complex sentences.
For example, What she decided surprised everyone and We accepted whatever he proposed.
What she decided surprised everyone.
То, что она решила, удивило всех.
"What she decided" is a fused relative clause functioning as subject.
We accepted whatever he proposed.
Мы приняли всё, что он предложил.
"Whatever he proposed" is a fused relative clause functioning as object.
Whoever finishes first will get a prize.
Кто закончит первым, получит приз.
Fused relative as subject.
I'll do whatever you think is best.
Я сделаю то, что ты считаешь лучшим.
Fused relative as object.
What matters most is your health.
Что важнее всего, так это твоё здоровье.
Fused relative as subject.
Fused relative constructions occur in both conversation and formal writing, although some patterns are more common in particular registers.
What and whatever are very common, while highly complex whoever, whichever, and formal fused constructions may be more characteristic of written English.
What you need is a good rest.
То, что тебе нужно, — это хороший отдых.
"What" is common in both conversation and formal writing.
Whatever you decide is fine with me.
Что бы ты ни решил, меня это устраивает.
"Whatever" is common in conversation.
Whoever finishes first can leave.
Кто закончит первым, может уйти.
"Whoever" is used in both registers.
Whichever option you choose, you will be satisfied.
Какой бы вариант ты ни выбрал, ты будешь доволен.
"Whichever" is more common in formal writing.
I understand what you mean.
Я понимаю, что ты имеешь в виду.
"What" is very common in conversation.
Use fused relative constructions without adding an unnecessary antecedent noun or confusing them with ordinary relative clauses.
Common mistakes include using what after an explicit antecedent noun, confusing whatever with whichever, using whoever when a specific person is intended, and treating concessive -ever clauses as ordinary defining relative clauses.
I know what you mean.
Я знаю, что ты имеешь в виду.
Correct: "what" used without an antecedent.
I know the thing what you mean.
Я знаю то, что ты имеешь в виду.
Incorrect: "what" cannot follow an antecedent noun.
Take whatever you want.
Возьми всё, что хочешь.
Correct: "whatever" for unrestricted choice.
Choose whichever option is cheaper.
Выбери тот вариант, который дешевле.
Correct: "whichever" for a limited set.
Whoever told you that was mistaken.
Тот, кто сказал тебе это, ошибался.
Correct: "whoever" refers to an unspecified person.