whether vs if

The words 'whether' and 'if' are both used to introduce a condition or choice, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Whether' is used when presenting two or more alternatives or possibilities, while 'if' is used when presenting a condition or possibility. They are not always interchangeable, so it's important to use them correctly based on the context.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 919 views

The word 'whether' is used to introduce two or more alternatives or possibilities.

"whether"

Use 'whether' when presenting a choice between two or more options or when indicating that something is true in either of two cases.

Examples:

I don't know whether I should go to the party or stay home.
She asked whether he wanted tea or coffee.

Show examples from the web [+]

Thinking about whether Arkadia is home.
I wondered whether we should speak again.
They doubted whether divine revelation absolutely excluded remarriage in cases of adultery.
Regardless of whether you are religious or not.
Altesse was wondering whether we should fire Mr Cornet.
Scholars disagree whether the dioptra was available that early.
McGrath proceeds to address whether religion specifically conflicts with science.
But it is unclear whether regional variation will allow high-resolution standardization.
It is unclear whether these coins circulated.
He's wrestling With whether movies should be art or commerce.
Identify whether a cross-sector national EPD exists in your country.
I mean whether you're still her dad.
Another question asks whether passwords should be encrypted.
Check whether DNG Capture Supported displays Yes or No.
Modify CAS4 key whether display error.
Specify whether the main activity is producing or trading.
For convertible instruments, specifies whether conversion is mandatory or optional.
Specify first whether immediate medical attention is required.
Ms Dodds asked whether the neighbourhood policy had failed.
Indication whether a derivative contract is tranched.

Alternatives:

I don't know if I should go to the party or stay home.
She asked if he wanted tea or coffee.

The word 'if' is used to introduce a condition or possibility.

"if"

Use 'if' to introduce a condition or a possibility that may or may not happen.

Examples:

If it rains, we will stay indoors.
I will go for a walk if the weather is nice.

Show examples from the web [+]

if. 1 of 2. conjunction · ˈif. əf.
If definition, in case that; granting or supposing that; on condition that: Sing if you want to. Stay indoors if it rains. I'll go if you do. See more.
IF function. Returns one value if a logical expression is `TRUE` and another if it is `FALSE`. Sample Usage.

Alternatives:

Whether it rains, we will stay indoors.
I will go for a walk whether the weather is nice.

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whether vs if

"whether"

"if"

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