Whichever

English 1b3 Which is correct?What part of speech is 'whichever' here?A) I don't know. Whichever comes first.B) I don't know, whichever comes first.

A - pronoun.
B - ditto.

Which is correct?

A.

Hmm, I have only seen it written with a comma.

Even in the guide for my tax return it is written thus:

Enter 3% of taxable income or $2500, whichever is less.

English 1b3Enter 3% of taxable income or $2500, whichever is less.

The comma is fine in that sentence. It is not OK in your original sentence.

Can you explain the grammar to me please? I can't see why the comma is fine my second sentence only.

Thank you

There are two independent clause linked only by a comma.in the firsy.
The 'whichever' clause is not independent in the second; it modifies part of the independent clause.

English 1b3Enter 3% of taxable income or $2500, whichever is less.

This or that, whichever (of those two choices) is [better / more colorful / less expensive / taller / more interesting / ...].

There is no "or" in "I don't know".

CJ

CalifJimThis or that, whichever (of those two choices) is [better / more colorful / less expensive / taller / more interesting / ...].There is no "or" in "I don't know".CJ

Thank you.

Is the phrase 'whichever is less' a noun clause (as the second object of 'enter'), or is it an adverbial clause, saying how you enter 'this' or 'that'?

And

English 1b3Is the phrase 'whichever is less' a noun clause (as the second object of 'enter'), or is it an adverbial clause, saying how you enter 'this' or 'that'?

a noun clause (as the second object of 'enter')

English 1b3what part of speech is 'whichever'?

Pronoun. (That was already answered above.)

CJ