no matter what

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

The plumber spent two hours in the kitchen.
[color=red]
1-Well, whatever he did, he did not repair the leaking faucet.
[color=indigo]
2-Well, no matter what he did, he did not repair the leaking faucet.

Are 1 and 2 both acceptable in this context?

Gratefully,
Navi.

2

Hi, to me, only number 1 sounds natural. For number 2, I would expect “No matter what he did, he was not able to repair the leaking faucet.” That is, he tried everything he could, but he was unsuccessful.

3

Thank you very much Luschen,

So:

[color=red]1-Whatever he did, he did not repair the leaking faucet.
would be used in this case:[color=darkred]
a-I have no idea what he did there, but he did not repair the leaking faucet.

Am I correct?

And could one use:[color=darkblue]
1a-Whatever he did, he was not able to repair the leaking faucet.
instead of:
[color=blue]2a-No matter what he did, he was not able to repair the leaking faucet. (your sentence)

Gratefully,
Navi.

4

Pretty much correct - your first sentence implies that the repairman was incompetent. The second sentence implies that the repairman was probably competent, but the task was just too difficult. Your second sentence is still not quite right though. I think you would have to say “whatever he tried” instead of “whatever he did”.