If vs Whether

The use of If vs Whether.

If or Whether? They are both both conjunctions and used in conditional sentences. Learn here the diferences between If vs Whether!

The main difference between “if” and “whether” is that “if” implies a certain possibility or condition, while “whether” implies a choice between two or more options. For example, “If you come to the party, I’ll be there” implies that there is a possibility that the person will come to the party. Whereas “Whether you come to the party or not, I’ll be there” implies that the person has the choice to come or not to the party and that either way, the speaker will still be at the party.

If

Use if for conditional sentences and for one possibility:

• If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
• If you save money, we will go to Paris.
• I don’t know if I can drive. My foot really hurts.
• If I were you, I would call her.
• If you have a question, please ask.

Whether

Use whether when showing that two alternatives are possible.

Prefer whether rather than if for the following:

• You have to decide whether she will go to the party or stay home.
• I called Mr. John to find out whether or not he really did go to London.
• You should discuss with your mother whether you are going to the trip or not.
• After the board meeting, we asked whether we should change the directors, the managers, or both.
• Can you tell me whether or not you’re interested in the job.

If / Whether

Here you can use either one, they are interchangeable.

Use if or whether when you have two possibilities or when you are not sure of something:

• I couldn’t decide if/whether it was worth calling the insurance company.
• I don’t know if/whether that is true or not.
• I doubt if/whether anyone else agrees with her.
• They asked me if/whether I was tired.
• I want to find out if/whether the rooms have a shower or not.

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