whoever is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whoever is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to any person or group of people in a general sense, often in contexts where the identity of the person is not specified. Example: "Whoever is responsible for this project should submit their report by Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whoever is ready, I'm ready".

Independent

Whoever is dead.

The New York Times

The stock answer: whoever is open.

The New York Times - Sports

Pressure whoever is running Daoism and Taoism.

The New York Times

Whoever is mayor should encourage this practice.

The New York Times

People will support whoever is reasonable, whoever is right.

The New York Times

"We are Syrians, whoever is in charge".

The New York Times

Whoever is running England now?

The New York Times - Magazine

Whoever is wearing the oldest item wins.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Marnie is into whoever is into her.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Whoever is here, I'm there for them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarity is crucial, consider replacing "whoever is" with a more specific term if the context allows. This enhances precision in communication.

Common error

In highly formal writing, avoid using "whoever is" if a more specific and professional term can be substituted to enhance clarity and maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whoever is" functions as a relative pronoun introducing a subordinate clause. It typically precedes a descriptive phrase that identifies or describes an unspecified person. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

18%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whoever is" is a versatile phrase used to refer to unspecified individuals meeting a specific condition, applicable across various contexts, mainly in News & Media. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While generally neutral in tone, consider the context to maintain clarity and choose alternatives for increased specificity or formality. Remember, while generally correct, using a more specific term can enhance clarity in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anyone who is

Focuses on any individual meeting a certain condition, similar to specifying an unspecified person.

the person who is

More explicit and less concise, specifying a particular individual based on a condition.

whomever is

Corrected grammatical form, though less common in contemporary usage, emphasizing the object of the verb.

the individual who is

Formal and precise, specifying a particular individual who meets a condition.

one who is

Formal alternative emphasizing the individual's quality or state.

he who is

More formal and archaic, highlighting a person who possesses a specific quality or role.

she who is

Female equivalent of 'he who is', with the same formal and archaic tone.

whoever happens to be

Adds an element of chance or circumstance to the identification of the person.

the one that is

Informal alternative, suitable for casual conversations.

anyone that's

Casual contraction replacing 'whoever is' with simpler terms.

FAQs

How do I use "whoever is" correctly in a sentence?

Use "whoever is" to refer to any person without specifying their identity, often followed by a condition or responsibility. For example, "Whoever is responsible should take the blame".

What are some alternatives to "whoever is"?

Alternatives include "anyone who is", "the person who is", or "whomever is", although the last one is less common in contemporary usage and emphasizes the object of the verb.

Is "whoever is" formal or informal?

"Whoever is" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in various contexts. However, in very formal settings, consider more specific alternatives.

What is the difference between "whoever is" and "anyone who is"?

While both are similar, "whoever is" suggests a more open or unspecified range of individuals, while "anyone who is" might imply a more restricted or defined group. The choice depends on the context and the desired nuance.