Whatever/everything
1) He denied whatever I said.
2) He denied everything I said.
3) They doubted whatever I said.
4) They doubted everything I said.
Is there any difference in the meanings of '1' and '2'?
Is there any difference in the meanings of '3' and '4'?
Gratefully,
Navi.
Top answer
There are subtle differences between 'whatever' and 'everything' in those sentences. Here's my take on it: 'whatever' suggests repeated denials or doubts. 'everything' suggests a single denial or doubt about the entire series of things you said.
- There are subtle differences between 'whatever' and 'everything' in those sentences.
- Here's my take on it: 'whatever' suggests repeated denials or doubts.
- 'everything' suggests a single denial or doubt about the entire series of things you said.
- 'everything', however, can also be used instead of 'whatever' for that meaning as cited above.
- But 'whatever' cannot substitute for 'everything'.
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There are subtle differences between 'whatever' and 'everything' in those sentences. Here's my take on it:
'whatever' suggests repeated denials or doubts.
'everything' suggests a single denial or doubt about the entire series of things you said.
'everything', however, can also be used instead of 'whatever' for that meaning as cited above. But 'whatever' cannot substitute for
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