ever

[Silverobama]

Hi,

What ever is that strange contraption you've got in the garage?


Does the "ever" mean "always" here?

Thanks a lot

[Barb_D]

It's just emphatic

What the heck is...
What in the world is.. .
What ever is ...

Same meaning.

[Rover_KE]

I sadly observe that you've reverted to a single word, unhelpful title, Silverobama.

What ever is that strange contraption? would have been better.

You actually need the interrogative pronoun whatever, which as Barb said is more emphatic than the simple what.

Rover

[5jj]

What ever is that strange contraption? would have been better.

You actually need the interrogative pronoun whatever, which as Barb said is more emphatic than the simple what.

I have to disagree with you there, Rover. What is the interrogative, ever adds the element of emphasis/surprise/anger/etc. Whatever (= It does not matter what) is used differently.