Question

Hey, Guys. When should I use "if" or "whether"? Please, show me some examples of the correct use. Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Whether" vs "If"
Using ---- Whether and If

1). After Prepositions , we use only whether.

I haven't settled the question of whether I'll go back home.
There was a big argument about whether we should move to a new house.

2). Whether, but not if, is used before infinitives.

They can't decide whether to get married now or wait.

3). When a question-word clause is a subject or complement, whether is preferred.

Whether we can stay with my mother is another matter. - (Subject)
The question is whether the man can be trusted. - (Complement)

The question is if the man can be trusted. - Correct but less preferred.

4). If an indirect question is fronted , whether is used.

Whether I'll have time I'm not sure at the moment.

5). Whether is generally preferred in a two - part question with or.

The Directors have not decided whether they will recommend a dividend or reinvest the profits.

6). After verbs that are more common in a formal style, whether is preferred.

We discussed whether we should close the shop.

7). Whether and if both can introduce indirect questions.

I'm not sure whether / if I'll have time.

8). Yes / No questions are reported with if or whether.

I don't know if / whether I can help you.

Note - The word IF does not always signal a conditional sentence.

I don't know if I will go to the dance. (Incorrect)
I don't know whether I will go to the dance. (Correct)

Answer 2

Here is a simple rule for deciding whether to choose "whether" or "if":

~"If" introduces one condition, whereas "whether" introduces alternative possibilities, usually with "or not" implied or expressed.


EXAMPLES:

If

~If we save carefully for the next year, we can afford to spend next summer in Europe.

~If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.


Whether

~There is a simple rule for deciding whether to choose "whether" or "if."

~Whether we have that much saved by next June or not, we plan to spend the summer in Europe.

~I honestly can't tell you whether I will be free to take that position by October.

~She had to decide whether she should go to the party or stay home and study.

~I didn't know whether I should continue trusting him or cut my losses and run.

~Considering all that had happened during the previous year, she didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

~You need to decide whether you will be able to keep your mouth
shut if you can't think of something positive to say about the exhibit.