Grammar / If or Whether
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‘
If’
or ‘Whether’?
In many cases there is not much difference between using ‘if’ or ‘whether’. In some instances, however, only ‘whether’ is possible.
1 choice
We usually use ‘if’ when there is only one choice or condition.
E.g. I’ll help you if you pay me.
If she went there, she would have a great deal of difficulty understanding.
2 choices
We usually tend to use ‘whether’ when there are 2 choices or the idea of ‘or not’. It implies some kind of uncertainty.
E.g. I can’t decide whether to go or not.
I didn’t know whether Tom was coming or not.
The proposal would depend on whether it was accepted or rejected.
It was difficult to know whether the exhaustion was caused by the heat or the journey.
Reported ‘yes / no’ questions
Both if or whether are correct, although ‘whether’ is slightly more formal.
E.g. He asked me whether I was married. He asked me if I was married.
After a preposition
We have to use ‘whether’ after a preposition
E.g. I looked into whether it would be a viable project.
The results would depend on whether a sponsor could be found.
After ‘to’ + infinitive
We have to use ‘whether’ before ‘to’ + infinitive
E.g. I can’t make up my mind whether to go or not.
She is considering whether to accept the offer.
As to whether
This means ‘about’ or ‘concerning’ and is used after doubt, conflict, indecision, question, uncertain, confused, discussion, unsure, speculation, debate.
E.g. There was discussion as to whether he should be fired for misconduct.
Whether is usually used after certain verbs
Advise, choose, consider, depend on, discuss, talk/think about
Don’t confuse ‘whether’ and ‘weather’
Weather is sun, rain, cloud, snow etc!
Are these sentences correct or not?
Do you know whether this seat is free?
Shirley couldn’t decide whether to do her assignment or go to the party.
They are determining whether to outsource
You will have to go, whether you like it or not.
The researchers were interested in if they could prove that drinking beer increases the length of your nose.
Let us look at whether this sentence is correct.
She didn’t know if she should eat it or not.
The governors are debating if to ask the state for stimulation funds.
Answers
This sounds very formal, and would not be inappropriate in an informal situation.
This is correct. There is a choice given
This is correct because ‘whether’ is followed by ‘to + infinitive’
This is correct. There is a choice given.
This is not correct. After the preposition (in) we need to use ‘whether’.
This is not correct. After the preposition (at) we need to use ‘whether’.
This is correct. There is a choice given
This is not correct. Before ‘to’ + infinitive, we need to use ‘whether’