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Asdf11391 Posted 22 years ago
Grammar

Grammar Poser

Newbie here looking for a definitive answer (if there is one) to the following:
"I will give $5,000 to (whoever, whomever) solves the puzzle." The obvious answer may be the objective (object of the preposition), but I see a subject with "solves" as well. Is there a clearly defendable solution?

Thank you.
  

Top answer

The object of the preposition is not the word alone, but the entire clause. Therefore the correct grammar is 'to whoever solves the puzzle '. Practically speaking, however, we are likely to hear either, with 'whoever' being less formal.

— Mister Micawber

  • The object of the preposition is not the word alone, but the entire clause.
  • Therefore the correct grammar is 'to whoever solves the puzzle '.
  • Practically speaking, however, we are likely to hear either, with 'whoever' being less formal.
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8 Answers
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The object of the preposition is not the word alone, but the entire clause. Therefore the correct grammar is 'to whoever solves the puzzle'.

Practically speaking, however, we are likely to hear either, with 'whoever' being less formal.
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whoever

For the same reasons as Micawber.

Also note, it's analogous to: "to the person *** does such-and-such"

In contrast, "Give it to whomever you like best." - analogous to: "to the person *whom" you like best.

If you choose "whomever" in the latter sentence because it is the object of the preposition "to", then you arrive at the right answer for the wr
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Hi, bermbits, and welcome to the forums.
Welcome, Jim and Mr Macawber too.

The right answer has been provided already, but I'm curious about something in the first post of the thread:
"The obvious answer may be the objective (object of the preposition)..."

What made you think of it as "obvious"?

Thank you,

Miriam
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I saw a prep. phrase there - to me the "to whom..." was the obvious quick answer, but I wasn't able to accept that because continuing would make the "whomever" a subject of "solves," which is where my problem was. (Is that clear???)
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Humm... yes, I guess. Perhaps it's just that *** cannot see it as obvious, or as the easiest answer myself.
Thanks for your response
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Miriam,

Thanks for the welcome!

This is the first time anyone has ever welcomed me to a forum!

Jim
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CalifJimThanks for the welcome!This is the first time anyone has ever welcomed me to a forum!
And a belated thank-you from me, too!

MM
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