1. 引导名词性从句
用于引导名词性从句(主要是引导主语从句和宾语从句),其意相当于anything that或everything that。如:
Whatever she did was right. 她做的一切都是对的。
He does whatever she asks him to do. 她要他做什么,他就做什么。
I will just say whatever comes into my mind. 我想到什么就说什么。
2. 引导让步状语从句
用于引导让步状语从句,其意相当于no matter what。如:
Whatever happens, don’t forget to write. 无论怎样别忘了写信。
Whatever you say, I won’t believe you. 不管你说什么,我决不相信你的话。
引导让步状语从句时,从句谓语有时可以用“may+动词原形”代替一般现在时。如:
Keep calm, whatever happens [may happen]. 无论发生什么事都要保持冷静。
Whatever reasons he gives [may give], they can only be excuses. 无论他提出什么理由,那只可能是借口。
注意:
1. 有时还可省略状语从句中的动词be。如:
He’ll come whatever the weather (is). 无论天气如何,他都会来(www.yygrammar.com)。
The building must be saved, whatever the cost (is). 一定要挽救这座建筑,不管花多大代价。
2. 有时whatever用作形容词,在其后跟一个被修饰的名词。如:
I am willing to pay whatever price you ask. 不管你要价多少,我都愿意付。
Take whatever magazines you want to read. 任何你想看的杂志都可以取阅。