Whoever vs. Whomever  

Rule 1.

To determine whether to use whoever or whomever , here is the rule:
him + he = whoever
him + him = whomever

Examples:

• Give it to whoever/whomever asks for it first.

Give it to him. He asks for it first.

Therefore, Give it to whoever asks for it first .

• We will hire whoever/ whomever you recommend.

We will hire him . You recommend him .
him + him = whomever

• We will hire whoever /whomever is most qualified.

We will hire him . He is most qualified.
him + he = whoever

Rule 2.

When the entire whoever/whomever clause is the subject of the verb that follows the clause, look inside the clause to determine whether to use whoever or whomever .

Examples:

• Whoever is elected will serve a four-year term.

Whoever is elected is the subject of will serve .

Whoever is the subject of is .

• Whomever you elect will serve a four-year term.

Whomever you elect is the subject of will serve.

Whomever is the object of you elect .