If You Can't Decide Whether to Use "Whether" or "If"--Read This Article
by Tina Blue
June 27, 2002
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.
