INDEFINITE RELATIVES.


[Sidenote: _List and examples._]

121. INDEFINITE RELATIVES are, by meaning and use, not as direct as
the simple relatives.

They are _whoever_, _whichever_, _whatever_, _whatsoever_; less common
are _whoso_, _whosoever_, _whichsoever_, _whatsoever_. The simple
relatives _who_, _which_, and _what_ may also be used as indefinite
relatives. Examples of indefinite relatives (from Emerson):--

1. _Whoever_ has flattered his friend successfully must at once
think himself a knave, and his friend a fool.

2. It is no proof of a man's understanding, to be able to affirm
_whatever_ he pleases.

3. They sit in a chair or sprawl with children on the floor, or
stand on their head, or _what_ else _soever_, in a new and
original way.

4. _Whoso_ is heroic will always find crises to try his edge.

5. Only itself can inspire _whom_ it will.