When studying English grammar, the use of complex adjective phrases can be confusing, especially with words like ‘whatever.’ In this article, we’ll explore how ‘whatever’ functions in a sentence and how to properly structure phrases like ‘Whatever goal that is’ while addressing common mistakes, such as the use of articles.
1. The Role of ‘Whatever’ as a Complex Adjective
‘Whatever’ is often used in complex adjective phrases to refer to something without specifying exactly what it is. In the phrase ‘Whatever goal that is,’ ‘whatever’ functions to generalize the type of goal being referred to. It can be used to express the idea that any goal, regardless of its specifics, is valid in the given context.
In this example, ‘whatever’ modifies the noun ‘goal,’ making the phrase an adjective phrase that describes a type of goal. So, we do not need to worry about using articles like ‘a’ or ‘the’ in this case because ‘whatever’ already indicates a general idea.
2. Should You Use ‘A’ with ‘Whatever’? The Answer Is No
In English, when ‘whatever’ is used to refer to something general, there is no need to include an article like ‘a’ before the noun it modifies. For example, in the sentence ‘Whatever goal that is, it doesn’t matter to me,’ adding ‘a’ would make the phrase sound unnatural and grammatically incorrect. The article ‘a’ is used when referring to a specific item, but ‘whatever’ already provides a general meaning, so adding ‘a’ is redundant.
Therefore, the correct structure is ‘Whatever goal that is’ without an article, as ‘whatever’ inherently includes the sense of any or all, negating the need for ‘a.’
3. The Difference Between ‘Whatever’ and ‘A Specific Noun’
When comparing ‘whatever’ to other adjectives, it’s important to remember that ‘whatever’ is indefinite, referring to any possibility within a certain category. For example, ‘a goal’ refers to a specific goal, while ‘whatever goal’ encompasses all goals, no matter the type. This makes ‘whatever’ highly versatile and useful when you want to avoid specifying a particular noun.
4. Correcting Common Mistakes with ‘Whatever’ in Sentences
Many learners of English mistakenly add articles like ‘a’ when using ‘whatever,’ which can confuse the sentence structure. For example, ‘Whatever a goal that is’ is incorrect. The proper phrasing is ‘Whatever goal that is.’ Understanding that ‘whatever’ eliminates the need for an article is crucial for achieving grammatical accuracy in English writing and speech.
5. Conclusion: Mastering the Use of ‘Whatever’ in Adjective Phrases
In conclusion, using ‘whatever’ correctly in adjective phrases is key to mastering English grammar. Avoid the unnecessary use of articles like ‘a’ and understand that ‘whatever’ is used to generalize without limiting the meaning. By practicing with examples like ‘Whatever goal that is,’ you’ll become more confident in using ‘whatever’ appropriately in your sentences.
コメント