Use of whoever or whomever

                                                          

                                                   

To determine whether to use whoever or whomever, here is the rule:
him + he = whoever

him + him = whomever

whoever or whomever

Examples: Give it to whoever/whomever asks for it first. Give it to him. He asks for it first. Therefore, Give it to whoever asks for it first. We will hire whoever/whomever you recommend. We will hire him. You recommend him. him + him = whomever We will hire whoever/whomever is most qualified. We will hire him. He is most qualified. him + he = whoever

When the entire whoever/whomever clause is the subject of the verb that follows the clause, look inside the clause to determine whether to use whoever or whomever.

whoever or whomever

Examples: Whoever is elected will serve a four-year term. Whoever is elected is the subject of will serve. Whoever is the subject of is. Whomever you elect will serve a four-year term. Whomever you elect is the subject of will serve. Whomever is the object of you elect.