whether

whetherconjunction

Whether presents two or more possibilities: as a question to be answered, or as choices that make no difference to the result.

1. which of two thingsused to ask, or introduce a question about, which of two or more things is true or will happen

   Whether introduces an indirect question, often after verbs such as ask, wonder, know, and decide. It is more formal than if in this use, and it is the only choice directly before a to-infinitive (whether to go) or before or not.

   • I don't know whether she is coming.
   • She asked whether I wanted tea or coffee.
   • He couldn't decide whether to stay or leave.
   • Please let me know whether or not you can attend.

   Synonyms if (if is common in this use in everyday speech, but not before a to-infinitive or or not)

   Compare if (whether is needed, not if, directly before or not and before a to-infinitive)

   For translators (sense 1)

   Grammar trap Whether and if overlap in an indirect question, but only whether is used before a to-infinitive or directly before or not.

2. no matter whichused to say that something is true or happens in either of two or more cases

   Usually paired with or: the main clause is true no matter which of the possibilities actually happens.

   • Whether it rains or shines, the game will go ahead.
   • You have to pay the fee whether you attend or not.
   • Whether she likes it or not, she has to go.

   Collocations

   phrase whether or not, whether ... or

See also if (the more everyday word for an indirect question in most other positions)