whatever

@vegnlove posted:

In this paragraph;

The growing season in the Arctic region is short as well as cool, and plants must make the most of what warmth there is.

Q1. Is this 'what' used as adjective to modify the noun 'warmth'?

Hi, Vegnlove—"What" is being used as a determiner there, not as an adjective.

@vegnlove posted:

isn't that better to use 'whatever'?

It's fine for "what" to be used. It doesn't have to be "whatever."

@vegnlove posted:

Is that common to use 'what' to modify noun?

Yes, it's common enough.

@vegnlove posted:

Q2. Is there any meaning difference when you use 'what' and 'whatever' instead?

Yes. I'd paraphrase "what warmth there is" with the "such warmth as there is" or "the little warmth that there is." In contrast, "whatever warmth there is" can be paraphrased as "any warmth."

Thank you very much!