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Daddyjohn Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
If versus Whether
Good morning from the Philippines.
Different books and websites say different things on the use of IF or WHETHER.
I'd like to confirm from you which is correct in this case:
I'd like to know IF that story is true or just hearsay.
I'd like to know WHETHER that story is true or just hearsay.
Again, thank you so much for your assistance.
Different books and websites say different things on the use of IF or WHETHER.
I'd like to confirm from you which is correct in this case:
I'd like to know IF that story is true or just hearsay.
I'd like to know WHETHER that story is true or just hearsay.
Again, thank you so much for your assistance.
Top answer
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4 Answers
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Use whether when both options are clearly stated: whether...or.
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whether can substitute for if in an embedded (indirect) question. In other situations that substitution cannot be made.
I don't know if the knife is sharp.
Also: I don't know whether the knife is sharp.
If the knife is not sharp, it will not cut the bread.
Not: *Whether the knife is sharp, it will not cut the bread.
I don't know if the knife is sharp.
Also: I don't know whether the knife is sharp.
If the knife is not sharp, it will not cut the bread.
Not: *Whether the knife is sharp, it will not cut the bread.
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