If vs Whether – Grammar Shorts

If vs Whether

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The conjunctions if and whether have similar meanings and can sometimes be used interchangeably. In this grammar lesson, you will learn when to use each one correctly.

Use if

In conditional sentences

We use if to express conditions in conditional sentences. It is used to introduce something that needs to happen for something else to occur. Whether is not used instead of if in conditional sentences.

• If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
• Whether you study hard, you will pass the exam.
• I would be happier if I didn’t have to work.
• I would be happier whether I didn’t have to work.

Use whether

Whether is used to describe a choice between two possibilities. We use whether and not if in the following situations:

When there is a choice between two options or alternatives

• I couldn’t decide whether to get the red one or the green one.
• I couldn’t decide if to get the red one or the green one.

Before a to-infinitive

• We weren’t sure whether to invite him.
• We weren’t sure if to invite him.

After prepositions

• The job offer depends on whether he passes his driving test.
• The job offer depends on if he passes his driving test.

Before the words or not in sentences where only one possibility is stated

• We are still uncertain as to whether or not the request will be approved.
• We are still uncertain as to if or not the request will be approved.

Use if or whether

To introduce clauses after stating doubt

• We aren’t sure if he’ll be able to come.
• We aren’t sure whether he’ll be able to come.

In indirect or reported Yes or No questions

• Do you know if John is here yet?
• Do you know whether John is here yet?
• I asked her if the jacket was hers.
• I asked her whether the jacket was hers.

Take this quiz to check what you know!

Page 1 of 10

1 ______ we don’t leave now, we’ll miss our train.

a. If

b. Whether

c. Both are correct

Page 2 of 10

2 We need to know ______ or not you’ll be attending the meeting.

a. if

b. whether

c. both are correct

Page 3 of 10

3 Do you know ______ John is coming to the party?

a. if

b. whether

c. both are correct

Page 4 of 10

4 His final grade depends on ______ he submits the assignment on time.

a. if

b. whether

c. both are correct

Page 5 of 10

5 I didn’t know ______ to call him.

a. if

b. whether

c. both are correct

Page 6 of 10

6 I wasn’t sure ______ to walk or take the bus.

a. if

b. whether

c. both are correct

Page 7 of 10

7 I’ll leave work early ______ my boss allows it.

a. if

b. whether

c. both are correct

Page 8 of 10

8 I asked her ______ she was hungry.

a. if

b. whether

c. both are correct

Page 9 of 10

9 ______ or not you decide to accept the offer is of little concern to me.

a.If

b. Whether

c.Both are correct

Page 10 of 10

10 We were arguing about ______ we should let our son attend the party.

a. if

b. whether

c. both are correct

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