TENSE TUESDAY: WHETHER vs. IF (PART 2)

Good morning everyone. Welcome to TENSE TUESDAY.

This week we continue our look at the differences between IF and WHETHER. To see last week's lesson, click on the link below.

https://www.ziggurat.es/es/lecciones_ingles/index.asp?id=2593

Today we look at the cases where whether should be used. Following I have briefly summarised when we use the adverb whether.

1. After prepositions we can only use whether, not if.

-->Many people haven't decided about whether they will vote for the Socialists or for the Popular Party.

-->We haven't settled the question of whether we'll drive to the party or take public transport.

2. Before infinitives, we can only use whether, but not if.

-->I can't decide whether to take public transport or not.

Notice in both cases (1) and (2), there is a sort of option or alternative (as we discussed last week).

3. When a question-word clause is a subject or complement, whether is preferred.

-->Whether we can find parking is another matter. (=Subject)

-->The question is whether we will be able to find parking. (=Complement)

-->The question is if we will be able to find parking. (Correct, but less preferred)

4). Whether is generally preferred in a two-part question with or.

-->The Directors have not decided whether they will recommend a dividend or reinvest the profits.

If anyone has any questions or comments about today's Daily Vitamin, don't hesitate to post them on our Facebook page.

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Whether you have a lot of time or not, I hope you find time to practice a little English today.

I'll see you tomorrow.