whether
gb/wˈɛðɚ/ us/wˈɛðɚ/
B1
English
~ 300
hogy ...-e
B1
1
hogy ...-e
B1
Usage pattern:
whether [clause] or [clause]
I don't know whether she will come to the party.
Nem tudom, hogy eljön-e a buliba.
We need to decide whether to take the train or the bus.
El kell döntenünk, hogy vonattal vagy busszal menjünk-e.
He asked whether I had finished the report.
They discussed whether it was worth the risk.
Learner examples
I don't know whether it will rain.
Nem tudom, hogy fog-e esni.
She is thinking about whether to go.
Azon gondolkodik, hogy elmenjen-e.
We must choose whether to stay or leave.
He is not sure whether she likes him.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'whether' with 'if'. 'Whether' is preferred when there are two clear options or in formal contexts.
Meaning
introducing alternatives or possibilities
Collocations
whether or not
|whether to
|whether it is
|whether she will
Synonyms
if (Often interchangeable in indirect questions, but 'if' is more common in informal speech and less formal writing.)
Themes
grammar
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to talk about two or more choices, or when you are not sure about something.
Used to introduce two or more possibilities, often in indirect questions or to show doubt between alternatives.
Grammar
Dictionary form
whether
IPA
GB/wˈɛðɚ/
US/wˈɛðɚ/
Syllables & stress
wheth - er (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (wheth)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: whether
- Plural: whethers
Word family
Forms
whethers
noun
Related words
if
conjunction A2
Expressions
whether ... or ...
1/wˈɛðɚ | ˈɔɹ |/
fixed phrase
presenting two choices
Used to show two possible things or situations.
Examples
- Whether you like it or not, we have to follow the rules.
- We will continue whether it rains or shines.
whether or not
1/wˈɛðɚ ˈɔɹ nˈɑt/
fixed phrase
regardless of the condition
Used to say that something will happen in all situations, no matter what happens.
Examples
- I’m going to the concert whether or not you come with me.
- She will finish the project whether or not she gets help.