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When to Use WHETHER and IF - What's the Difference? the words if and whether can be used interchangeably in informal writing but they are distinct in some ways. Find out when to use "whether" and "if" copyright: JROOZ REVIEW CENTER INC. http://www.jroozreview.com
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What’s the Difference Between Whether and
If?(when to use whether
instead of if, vice versa)
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WHETHER
- is used on sentences to show choices or alternativesRemember:
- can have two possibilities- it may have or may not have the word or
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Sample Sentence:
The lifeguard was very irresponsible. He did not care whether the swimmersink or swim in the pool.
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choices
conditional clause (requires OR)
Sample Sentence:
I would like to know whether you want wine or beer.
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conditional clause (requires or)
choices
Sample Sentence:
Think about whether you really want to explore that cave.
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conditional clause with OR optional
Sample Sentence:
Drop a message whether you are going to my birthday party.
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conditional clause with OR optional
IF- the result of the action actually
depends on a specific conditionRemember:
- the choices could be a yes or a no - can have a positive or negative possibility
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Types of IF ConditionalsType I Conditional – Present Real Conditional
shows that when this action happens, the other action is the most possible result
Sample Sentences:
If you turn this switch on, it will set off an alarm.
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Type I Conditional – Present Real Conditional
The kids will be very disappointed if you do not bring any cake.
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Types of IF ConditionalsType II Conditional – Present Unreal Conditional
conditional is used when we want to emphasize on present imagined situations.
This action would happen on a certain unreal condition.
Sample Sentences:
If I had a lot of money, I would spend my summer in the Bali.
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Type II Conditional – Present Unreal Conditional
She would be very upset if he did not call.
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Types of IF ConditionalsType III Conditional – Past Unreal Conditional
is used for imagined situations in the past. It often shows regret on the action done.
Sample Sentences:
If I had known about the test, I should have studied for it last night.
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Type III Conditional – Past Unreal Conditional
She could have been hurt if you did not protect her.
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IF and WHETHER are used interchangeably in informal writing but it is advised to know the distinction between the two because sometimes they have different meanings.
REMEMBER:
Sample Sentences:
Joshua doesn’t have any idea whether James would visit on Saturday.
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WHETHER and IF can be used interchangeably
Joshua doesn’t have any idea if James would visit on Saturday.
Sample Sentences:
Call me if you are going to cook dinner tonight.
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WHETHER and IF have different meanings
Call me whether you are going to cook dinner tonight.
shows that the person should only talk to the speaker if he or she is cooking, if not, then he/she doesn’t need to call
tells us that the person should tell the person whether she is doing the cooking or not.
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The formal rule is to use if when you have a conditional sentence and whether when you are showing that two alternatives are possible.
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