Introduction
Refs:
1. http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/if-versus-whether
2. http://www.grammar-monster.com/easily_confused/if_and_whether.htm
3. http://www.learn-english-today.com/lessons/lesson_contents/grammar/whether-if.html
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I was sitting at my desk and pondering whether or not I should write this article. After straddling the fence for a while, I suddenly thought, “What the heck! Why not!”
If you are wondering whether you should learn to use “whether” or not, the answer is definitely a resounding “yes”!
Sometimes “whether” and “if” can be used interchangeably. To clarify these situations, let’s apply the following formal rule:
Use “if” when you have a conditional sentence and “whether” when you are showing that two alternatives are possible.
“Whether” Can Be Used to Express
- Indirect questions
- Doubts
- Two or more possibilities
Expressing Indirect Questions
- He was trying to decide whether he should agree or raise objections.
- He had the humility to consider whether any action he could take would make things better or worse.
- She wondered whether she should go or stay.
- I’m wondering whether to have the fish or the beef.
- She asked me whether (or if) I was interested in working for her.
- We need to consider whether (or if) the disadvantages of the plan outweigh the advantages.
- She asked the man whether (or if) he’d mind if she opened the window.
Expressing Doubt
- I wasn’t sure whether you’d like it.
- I doubt whether it’ll work.
- I was merely questioning whether we have the money to fund such a project.
- She doubts whether she’ll ever be able to fulfill her ambition.
Expressing Two or More Possibilities
- Her ex-husband was seated next to her–whether by accident or design, no one knew.
- Someone has to tell her, whether it’s you or me.
- Let’s face it – you’re going to be late whether you go by bus or train.
(“or not” => opposite possibilities)
- I don’t know whether or not it’s true.
- Whether dead or not, he’s still a missing person. (whether or not => regardless)
- I’m going whether she likes it or not. (whether or not => regardless)
Use “Whether”
Before an infinitive:
- I was wondering whether to go for a swim.
- Some financial decisions, such as whether to move from your house, can be made late in life.
After prepositions:
- It all depends on whether or not she has the time.
- Regardless of whether it’s true or not, we have to act on this information.
- Were not interested in whether we get great jobs; we just want to have fun.
For indirect questions with two or more alternatives (“whether…or”):
- After the election, we asked whether the parties should change their leaders, their policies, or both.
- She wondered whether she should go or stay.
When “whether” clause is the subject or complement of a sentence:
- [Whether I go to the party or to the cinema] makes no difference to me.
- I don’t care [whether you sink or swim].
When followed immediately by “or not”:
- Can you tell me whether or not youre interested in the job?
Whether and If Are Interchangeable (“If” is more common)
For indirect yes/no questions:
(basically conditional statements expressing may or may not)
- Call the bakeries around town and find out if any of them sell raspberry pies.
- Call the bakeries around town and find out whether any of them sell raspberry pies.
Conditional statement with “or not” at the end of a sentence:
- Can you tell me whether youre interested in the job or not?
- Can you tell me if youre interested in the job or not?
“Or Not” – Optional or Required?
For yes/no alternatives, the “or not” is optional.
When “whether or not” means “regardless”, the “or not” is required.
- Can you tell me whether youre interested in the job (or not)? (optional)
- I don’t know whether (or not) it’s true. (optional)
- Whether or not he’s dead, he’s still a missing person. (regardless)
- I’m going whether she likes it or not. (regardless)
Self-Assessment
Instructions: Choose between ‘if’ or ‘whether’, based on this lesson.
- As to _____ he’ll come or not, he didn’t say.
- _____ Mr. Trump is elected president or Mrs. Clinton is, America is in for a rough ride for the next four years.
- I’ll do it _____ you say so.
- I asked _____ you had invited him or not.
- I can’t decide _____ he’s telling the truth or not.
- He’s pondering the decision of _____ to go or to stay.
- _____ it rains tomorrow or not, the picnic can be held because there is a covered pavilion nearby.
- Did you consider _____ this was a good idea?
- We have to decide _____ we should go together, go separately, or not go at all.
- I have doubts about _____ he can get his mom’s permission to come on our field trip.
- Is the “or not” in #5 optional or required?