“疑问词 + ever”是近年来高考英语的一个考查热点,在各版本的中学英语教材中出现频率较高,而且是学生理解和掌握的一个难点。从不同角度论述这方面内容的文章很多,本文试图别辟蹊径,简单明了地归纳讲解这一问题。
“疑问词 + ever ”可分为两类,“疑问代词 + ever ”: whatever / whichever / whoever (宾格 whomever )和“疑问副词 + ever ”: wherever / whenever / however.
不论是“疑问代词 + ever ”还是“疑问副词 + ever ”,其意义都是“不管 / 无论 + 该疑问词的本义”。
1. “疑问代词 + ever”可引导两种类型的从句,即让步状语从句和名词性从句(主语从句、宾语从句)。
(1)引导让步状语从句。此时 whatever / whoever / whichever 分别等于“ no matter + what / who / which”。例如:
Whatever happened, he wouldn't say a word. = No matter what happened, he wouldn't say a word.
Whoever says so, it is wrong. = No matter who says so, it is wrong.
Whichever dictionary you (may) take, you will have to pay at least 20 dollars. = No matter which dictionary you (may) take, you will have to pay at least 20 dollars.
注意:这类从句中应用一般现在时表将来,从句中也常用情态动词 may / might .
(2)引导名词性从句。例如:
Whoever smokes here will be punished. (主语从句)
Beggars will eat whatever they are given. (宾语从句)
Whichever he likes will be given to him. (主语从句)
You may invite whoever / whomever you like. (常用 whoever 代替 whomever)
此时它们都不能换成“ no matter + 疑问词”的形式,但 whoever 等于 anyone who, whatever 等于 anything that.