English Language Learners Stack Exchange
English Language Learners Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [whether-if]

27 questions
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"Whether" Vs. "If"

Could someone please help me with these sentences? I need to know Which one doesn’t sound natural? Which one is formal and which one is not? A - I don’t know whether this word fits in the sentence. B - I don’t know if this word fits in the…
A-friend
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Would saying "if" in place of "whether" be a big mistake?

For example, in the expression "I don't know whether I'm coming or going", would saying if in place of whether be a big mistake? Would doing it in written English be an error too?
JCLL
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We were discussing (whether / if) to leave early (or not)

I have read many articles, but I don't know why often the verb "discuss" is followed by the conjunction "whether," but not "if". Do you confirm that this verb is an exception and after that we have to use always "whether"? In other words as an…
A-friend
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'whether or not' meaning 'regardless of whether'

I'm interested whether or not you consider the sentences 12 and 13 bad language. Whether or not means “regardless of whether” (11) I will complain whether or not the committee accepts my application. ( = no matter what the committee does, I will…
ASDASD ASDASD
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The problem is if they believe what I said

"The problem is whether they believe what I said." is a correct sentence. How about "The problem is if they believe what I said."? This sentence is less commonly used but still OK?
user8229
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why "that" isn't used here instead of "if"?

Considering following sentences. Not sure if I look so retarded or people don't understand me. Not sure if I walk so fast or others walk too slow. Not sure if I'm doing something wrong or you are trying to fool me. Questions: Is it formal? if no…
user4637
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Can I use "whether" instead of "if" in this sentence?

In the past, some experts wondered if Tut died in a chariot crash. Can I use whether to take the place of "if" in this sentence?
dennylv
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"Whether" Vs "If"

In Grammar Quizzes If/Whether, it says to use if to indicate one condition and whether for two conditions. I am satisfied with everything about the grammars of if/whether, except with this one. Let me know if you get a cell phone reception. (one…
Ghaith Alrestom
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use "if" rather than "whether" when the object clause is negative?

Sentence 1: I don’t know if it won't rain tomorrow. Sentnece 2: I don’t know whether it won't rain tomorrow. Which sentence sound natural to you? Is there a rule that we should use "if" rather than "whether" when the object clause is negative? Thank…
April
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Whether or not (if/although)

"It is unknown whether or not he was telling the truth." This sentence means the same as - "It is unknown if he was telling the truth." "It is unknown whether he was telling the truth." "It is unknown whether he was telling the truth or not." Does…
Bora
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If vs. Whether?

I have often come across this confusion when im using English. Which word ( if or whether) is to be used in what specific contexts?How do they differ in the contexts they are used in? Or are they just used interchangeably?
Ram Aditya
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Whether vs. That

I want to know the difference between that and whether in the following sentences. For many hours we discussed that we had to lower the price; however, we failed to reach a conclusion. For many hours we discussed whether we had to lower the…
Tabadom2000
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How to use "if"

If his words are true is suspicious. Is this sentence grammatically correct? I learned "whether" can be used with "to ｰ " and "or not", but "if/that" can't do so. I understand this rule but I wonder whether we can use "if" at the position of…
HARUKA
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use "whether" rather than "if" after "discuss" and "doubt" in an object clause?

Sentence 1:We discussed if we should close the shop. Sentence 2:We discussed whether we should close the shop. Sentence 3: I doubt if they'll make it. Sentence 4: I doubt whether they'll make it. Which sentence sound natural to you? Is there a rule…
April
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adj plus if-clause

Can if-clause be used as a noun clause after an adj? Does the sentence "She was undecided if she should accept his offer" sound natural to you? Or should I say "She was undecided whether she should accept his offer"? Thank you very much!
April
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