Whatever vs. however

[katie]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #100 "Student Teacher Dialogue (3)", question 6

Student: That's one I never understand ......... hard I try.

(a) whenever
(b) however
(c) wherever
(d) whatever

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #100 "Student Teacher Dialogue (3)", answer 6

Student: That's one I never understand however hard I try.

Correct answer: (b) however

Your answer was: incorrect
Student: That's one I never understand whatever hard I try.
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why can't it be whatever?

katie

[Alan]

Hi Katie,

Whatever means something but it doesn't matter what. However means in some way but it doesn't matter what - that's the one you need here.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Not Really

[Haihao]

Hi,

[Alan]

Hi,

'That's one' suggests that's one of the tenses and could hint at one of a number. 'That's the one' refers to a particular one only. Both are possible -it's just a difference in interpretation.

A
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English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Guy Fawkes Night for You