Distinguishing Between If & Whether

If vs Whether

Though the difference between if and whether may be confusing to some, it is important to understand the distinction in their usage. If is used as both a conjunction and a noun, while whether is solely used as a conjunction. The main difference is that if is used to indicate a condition, while whether represents doubt.

What does If mean?

If is used to denote a condition. For example, in the sentences “If you give me the book, I can prepare for the examination” and “I can go to London if I get the money,” the word if is used to represent a condition. In the first sentence, the condition is receiving the book, and in the second, it is getting the money.

What does Whether mean?

Conversely, whether is used to indicate doubt. For example, in the sentences “Tell me whether you are coming or not” and “She has not informed whether her husband is joining for lunch or not,” the word whether expresses doubt. Most of the time, the word “or” is also used when whether is employed. Additionally, whether is used after prepositions and when presenting two alternatives without conditions.

Key Takeaways

• If is used to represent a condition, while whether is used to indicate doubt.
• If can function as a conjunction and a noun, whereas whether is only a conjunction.
• Whether is often used with “or” and after prepositions, as well as when presenting two alternatives without conditions.