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Difference between “if” and “whether”
Read the following short story:
Sarah was a busy executive who had a lot of meetings to attend every day. One day, she had an important meeting with a client, but she was not sure if the client would show up. She called her assistant and said, "I would like to know whether the client calls to confirm the meeting. Can you please check and let me know?"
Later that day, Sarah was stuck in traffic and was running late for another meeting. She called her colleague and said, "I'm sorry, but I might be late for our meeting. Please let me know if I should reschedule the appointment." Her colleague agreed to wait, and Sarah made it to the meeting just in time
Difference between “if” and “whether”
Both "if" and "whether" can be used to introduce a direct or indirect question, but they have different functions in making requests or asking for information.
"If" is used to express a conditional situation, such as "If it rains, I will stay at home." In making a request or asking for information, "if" is used to ask about a single condition or possibility, such as "Can you tell me if the meeting is still on?"
"On the other hand, "whether" is used to indicate a choice between two or more possibilities, such as "I'm not sure whether I will attend the party or not." In making a request or asking for information, "whether" is used to ask about a choice or decision between two or more options, such as "Could you let me know whether you prefer the morning or afternoon meeting?"
In summary, "if" is used to ask about a single condition, while "whether" is used to ask about a choice or decision between two or more options.
Let’s practice!
Fill in the blanks with either "if" or "whether." (Check out the answer key to confirm whether your answers are correct)
Can you tell me _____ you're coming to the party or not? I'm not sure _____ I will be able to attend the meeting tomorrow. _____ you need any help, please let me know. She asked me _____ I could lend her some money. I'm wondering _____ or not the store is still open at this time. I don't know _____ I should take the bus or walk to the station. Let me know _____ you have any dietary restrictions. He's trying to decide _____ he should take the job or not. I'm not sure _____ I can make it to the concert, it depends on my work schedule. Could you please let me know _____ the train is running on time or it’s late?
