# whether

/ˈhwɛðɝ/ (US) · /wˈɛðɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/whether
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. expressing doubt or choice

conjunction · CEFR B1

you use this to show a choice between two or more possibilities, often with the word 'or'.

For teachers: introduces an indirect question or a clause expressing doubt between alternatives, typically followed by 'or' or 'or not'.

- I am not sure whether I should call him now or wait until tomorrow.
- The board remains undecided as to whether the proposed merger will yield long-term benefits for the shareholders.

Usage: Often interchangeable with 'if' in indirect questions, though 'whether' is preferred in formal writing and when followed immediately by 'or not'.

### 2. regardless of which

conjunction · CEFR B1

used to say that something is true in any of the cases you mention.

For teachers: introduces a disjunctive adverbial clause indicating that the main clause remains true regardless of which alternative is chosen.

- We are going for a walk whether it rains or not.
- The regulations apply to all employees, whether they are working full-time or on a temporary contract.

Usage: In this sense, 'whether' cannot be replaced by 'if' because it functions as a conditional adverbial rather than a noun clause.

## Examples

- I do not know whether it will rain today.
- The manager asked whether the team preferred to meet on Monday morning or Tuesday afternoon.
- The success of the merger depends largely on whether the shareholders approve the new leadership structure during the upcoming quarterly meeting.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.