If or Whether

If or Whether



‘Whether’ and ‘if’ have very similar meanings. ‘If’ introduces one condition, whereas ‘whether’ introduces alternative possibilities, usually with the use of ‘or not’. Both ‘if’ and ‘whether’ are sometimes used interchangeably, especially when responding to yes/no questions. ‘Whether’ is used to present two alternatives, neither of which is a conditional. It is also used after Prepositions. Use ‘if’ to introduce a condition in a conditional statement. Where ‘if’ and ‘whether’ can be used interchangeably, use ‘whether’ in formal writing. For example:




‘I am not sure whether I will be able to come or not’ or ‘I am not sure if I will be able to come or not.’ – ‘if’ and ‘whether’ can be used interchangeably.


‘Let me know whether you’re going to Barrie or not.’ – ‘whether’ is used to introduce two alternatives – going to Barrie or not going to Barrie.


‘I would like to talk about whether we are visiting New York or not’ – ‘whether’ is used after Prepositions.


‘Please call an official committee to ascertain whether the laws have been executed or not’ – ‘whether’ is used in formal writing and speaking.


‘Teacher will punish you if you don’t do your home work on time’ – ‘if’ is used to introduce a condition in a conditional sentence.


Here is a link you can watch :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Klnroe1UBRs