Let Sam teach you when to use ‘if’ and when to use ‘whether’ in this English In A Minute.
Sam
When do we use if and when do we use whether?
Let’s take a look.
The simple rule is that with conditional sentences we use if, and when we have two options, we use whether.
If I get hungry, I’ll have a snack.
But I don’t know whether to have an apple or a biscuit.
When asking an indirect yes/ no question, we can use either if or whether – both are correct.
Do you know if the apples are fresh?
Do you know whether the biscuits are any good?
Whether is maybe a little bit more formal, but with both questions there are only two possible answers – yes or no.
Why don’t you try now!
Write us a question or a sentence using if or whether in the comments to practise.
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If vs Whether
If
The simple rule is that with conditional sentences we use if.
- If you like dancing, you should go to the club.
- If you are scared of spiders, you won’t like this.
Whether
When we have two options, we use whether.
- I don’t know whether to eat some cake or a bisuit.
- I can’t decide whether to buy it in blue or red.
If or Whether
When asking an indirect yes/ no question, we can use either if or whether.
- Do you know if the station is this way?
- Do you know whether the station is this way?