Here's how it works:
* It combines "who" and "ever": This indicates that it refers to anyone who fits the description.
* It functions as the subject of a verb: It acts as the person performing the action in a sentence.
Examples:
* "Whoever leaves the door open will be responsible for the noise." We don't know who will leave the door open, but whoever does will be held accountable.
* "I'll give the prize to whoever scores the highest." It doesn't matter who scores the highest, they will win the prize.
* "Whoever is responsible for this mess should clean it up." The speaker doesn't know who made the mess, but whoever did should clean it up.
Key points:
* It's used to refer to an unspecified person or group: It is used when the identity of the person is unknown or irrelevant.
* It acts as the subject of a verb: It performs the action in the sentence.
* It can be used in both formal and informal writing: "Whoever" is a versatile pronoun suitable for various contexts.
In short, "whoever" means "anyone who" or "any person who".