24275 if or whether

If or Whether
The words 'if' and 'whether' are sometimes interchangeable
However, this is not always the case

If
'If' is used to introduce a condition (i.e., in a
conditional sentence). In a conditional sentence, a
condition has to be satisfied before something occurs.
Peter will catch you if you fall.

Whether and If

1. When reporting yes/no questions
I am unsure whether I will be attending the party.
I am unsure if I will be attending the party.
2. In whether/if...or...constructions
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.

Whether/ If

Comment the usage

Whether
1. To present two alternatives (neither of which is a
condition)
Inform the clerk whether Mark needs a seat.
(In this example, the two alternatives are 'Mark needs a seat'
and 'Mark does not need a seat'. The clerk is to be informed in
either case.)

2. After prepositions
would like to talk about whether you are going to California.
3. Before infinitive verbs starting 'to'
I have been thinking whether to grow my own tomatoes this
year.
4. When 'whether' starts a clause that is the sentence
subject or object
you sink or swim is not my
concern.
11.Whether
_____________________she
fails,
it will destroy her.

1. I can't decide ______________________ to buy a

12. I am going to complain _____________the referee is right.
('Whether
you sink
or swim' isagree.
the subject of this sentence.)
13.
I don’t know
_________to

bicycle.

14. We need a decision on ________the second answer is also

2. Tom asked Julie ___________________ she'd like

correct.

to go to the cinema.

15. The game will be abandoned _________it snows.

3. You've to go to school _________________ you like

16. Its longevity may depend on _________it starts to lay eggs.

it or not!

17. _________to run or hide is a dilemma I face on a daily basis.

4. Caroline might come.

18. Go to the party ________you must.

It depends on_________________ she has a car or

19. I need to talk about __________the kids are old enough to

not.

travel on their own.

5. We're not sure ___________________ we're going

20. __________I go, you'll have to stay.

to change offices.

21. I have been wondering _________to build my own house.

6. _________________ I buy the cake or make it

22. I am not certain about __________he will go or not.

myself won't make it less fattening!

23. ________they say it or not, most teachers expect their

7. I wonder ____________________ I should

students to study hard.

mention it to my boss.

24. _________students study hard, teachers will be happy.

8. He really doesn't care ____________________ it

25. _________ you sing, I'll pay you ten pounds.

suits everyone.

Answer key

9. I'm not sure _________________ I'll have time to

go to the hairdressers.

10. The price doesn't change ______________ you travel
1. Whether
by car or by train.

2. If
3. Whether

26. Please establish a committee to determine __________the
proposed funding lines are appropriate.
27. Let Anna know _________the boss is able to go to London.
28. Most of us carry a water bottle with us when we exercise,
_______________it is going for a walk or working out in the gym.


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