Grammar: How to use IF and WHETHER properly

Today's lesson is a grammar lesson. People often ask the difference between whether or if.
In some situations, If and whether are interchangeable, but the best way to not make a mistake, not to mix them up in the wrong situation is to Always use if for conditionals and use whether when you are talking about two choices.
IF and WHETHER can be interchanged  in some cases:
1. When they are used as noun clauses, they can be interchanged. But try to avoid using them the same if you don't want to make the mistake.
Ex: Do you know if/whether Dan is coming?
Note: you could add 'or not' with whether which is optional as whether already gives you a choice in this situation.
Ex: I don't know whether/ if the exam is on Friday or Saturday
Note: In the example above, if and whether seem to mean the same thing, but You need to remember IF is not limited to 2 options, but Whether is. Whether gives you 2 choices.
More Examples:
1. Let me know if you are coming. (Conditional)
If you are coming then let me know.
2. Let me know whether you are coming or not. (Regardless)
Regardless you are coming or not coming, let me know
3. I am coming over whether you like it or not. (Regardless)
In regardless situation, you need to use 'OR' with whether.
RECAP: To avoid making mistakes specially in written English Use IF for conditionals and use WHETHER for alternatives or to mean regardless.

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Comments

  1. Anonymous20 April 2017 at 08:25

    it is very useful ,, thnku so much sir for sharing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown20 April 2017 at 09:17

      Pleasure. Please do not forget to share lessons with all your friends and family.

      Delete

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