Difference between revisions of "Language/English/Grammar/When-use-If-or-Whether"

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When to use "whether" or "if" in English?
[[File:if-or-wether-in-english-polyglot-club.png|thumb]]
<span style="font-size:25px; font-weight:bold;color: black">When to use "whether" or "if" in English?</span>
==Use "if" or "whether" (Interchangeable):==
'''Whether''' and '''if''' can be used interchangeably in the following circumstances:
===When reporting yes/no questions.===
*I am not sure whether I will be attending the event.
*I am not sure if I will be attending the event.


We must use "if" in a sentence to the conditional (A sentence that can only be realized under certain conditions):
(In this example, the yes/no question is "Am I attending the event?")


Bob didn’t know if Amanda was going away.
===or===
*I would like to know whether it is a true story or fabricated.
*I would like to know if it is a true story or fabricated.  


You must use "if" when you show that there are only two possible outcomes:
Note: Using whether is far more common.  It is certainly more formal.


Bob didn’t know whether Amanda was staying in the city or going to the country side for the weekend.
==Use only "if" with:==


You can use either "whether" or "if" when:
===the conditional tense===
... one of the issues is induced but understood, as in an indirect question:
A sentence that can only be realized under certain conditions.
*Bob didn’t know if Amanda was going away.


Bob didn’t know whether Amanda was going away on Saturday.
==Use only "whether" when==


Bob didn’t know if Amanda was going away on Saturday.
===Verb with "to"===
*Bob didn’t know whether to invite Amanda to the party.


In this example, the term "or not" is induced. So, Amanda might not leave on Saturday. Since the second option does not need to be stated, you can use either "if" or "if".
=== With "or not" ===
* Whether or not you want me to, I am going to the party.


Only "whether" can be used when:
==Related Lessons==
 
* [[Language/English/Grammar/Difference-between-Mood-Tense-Voice|Difference between Mood Tense Voice]]
... we find a verb in the infinitive with "to":
* [[Language/English/Grammar/Although-VS-Even-though|Although VS Even though]]
 
* [[Language/English/Grammar/How-to-Use-Have|How to Use Have]]
Bob didn’t know whether to invite Amanda to the party.
* [[Language/English/Grammar/REFLEXIVE-PRONOUNS|REFLEXIVE PRONOUNS]]
 
* [[Language/English/Grammar/Ask|Ask]]
... we find a preposition:
* [[Language/English/Grammar/"Native-of"-Vs.-"Native-to"|"Native of" Vs. "Native to"]]
 
* [[Language/English/Grammar/CONJUNCTIONS-→-Contrast|CONJUNCTIONS → Contrast]]
Bob wanted to have a conversation with Amanda about whether she was away for the weekend.
* [[Language/English/Grammar/Adverbs-of-Manner|Adverbs of Manner]]
 
* [[Language/English/Grammar/Definite-Article|Definite Article]]
... the word "or" is used:
* [[Language/English/Grammar/How-Some-pointers-when-using-Adjectives|How Some pointers when using Adjectives]]
 
Bob didn’t know whether to call or text to find out about her plans.
 
... when the part of the sentence beginning with the conditional is the subject of the sentence:
 
Whether Amanda could come or not, Bob was still going to throw the party, even if it was for Amanda's birthday.

Latest revision as of 17:01, 26 February 2023

If-or-wether-in-english-polyglot-club.png

When to use "whether" or "if" in English?

Use "if" or "whether" (Interchangeable):[edit | edit source]

Whether and if can be used interchangeably in the following circumstances:

When reporting yes/no questions.[edit | edit source]

  • I am not sure whether I will be attending the event.
  • I am not sure if I will be attending the event.

(In this example, the yes/no question is "Am I attending the event?")

or[edit | edit source]

  • I would like to know whether it is a true story or fabricated.
  • I would like to know if it is a true story or fabricated.

Note: Using whether is far more common. It is certainly more formal.

Use only "if" with:[edit | edit source]

the conditional tense[edit | edit source]

A sentence that can only be realized under certain conditions.

  • Bob didn’t know if Amanda was going away.

Use only "whether" when[edit | edit source]

Verb with "to"[edit | edit source]

  • Bob didn’t know whether to invite Amanda to the party.

With "or not"[edit | edit source]

  • Whether or not you want me to, I am going to the party.

Related Lessons[edit | edit source]

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