whether

Meanings

1. 1conjunction

   Used to introduce two or more possibilities, often with 'or'.

   Grammar: Introduces a clause or phrase; often followed by 'or' to present alternatives: whether we go or stay.

   Patterns

   • whether ... or ...
   • whether to do something
   • whether or not

   I can't decide whether to take the job or stay at my current one.

   She asked whether the train had already left.

   Whether we win or lose, we'll still celebrate.

2. 2conjunction

   Used after certain verbs and prepositions to mean 'if' in indirect questions.

   Grammar: Common after verbs like 'ask', 'know', 'wonder', 'decide', and after prepositions like 'about'.

   Patterns

   • ask whether ...
   • know whether ...
   • wonder whether ...
   • about whether ...

   He wondered whether he had locked the door.

   We discussed whether the plan was practical.

   I'm not sure whether she's coming.

Common combinations

whether or not

Whether or not it rains, the event will go ahead.

whether to do something

She couldn't decide whether to call him.

ask whether

The reporter asked whether the policy would change.

wonder whether

I wonder whether you could help me.

decide whether

They must decide whether to accept the offer.

Synonyms and how they differ

if

If is more common in general conditions and after 'ask' in informal speech, but whether is preferred when two alternatives are clearly stated.

Commonly confused: whether or if? whether or weather?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “whether”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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