🔑 Key Difference

• “If” introduces conditional statements or uncertain possibilities.
• “Whether” introduces alternative options or decisions and is often used in more formal contexts.

🎯 When to Use “If”

1. Conditional Sentences
   • “If” is primarily used to express conditions—what might happen depending on another event.
   • Examples:
     • If it rains, we’ll stay inside.
     • She’ll come if she finishes her work.
2. Indirect Questions (Sometimes)
   • “If” can also be used in reported speech when introducing yes/no questions.
   • Examples:
     • He asked if I was coming to the party.
     • Do you know if the train has arrived?

🎯 When to Use “Whether”

1. Choice Between Options
   • “Whether” is used to indicate a choice or alternatives, often followed by “or not.”
   • Examples:
     • I’m not sure whether I should go or stay.
     • Let me know whether you’re available.
2. Formal Contexts
   • “Whether” is considered more formal than “if,” especially in writing.
   • Example:
     • The committee will decide whether to approve the proposal.
3. After Certain Verbs and Prepositions
   • Some verbs (e.g., discuss, consider, determine) prefer “whether” over “if.”
   • Examples:
     • We’ll discuss whether we should invest more funds.
     • It depends on whether they accept the offer.

🤔 Common Confusion: Can “If” and “Whether” Be Interchanged?

Sometimes! But here’s the trick:

• Use “whether” when there’s an explicit choice (e.g., whether or not).
  • ✅ I don’t know whether he’ll come or not.
  • ❌ I don’t know if he’ll come or not. (Less precise)
• Use “if” for conditions or uncertainty.
  • ✅ If it’s sunny tomorrow, we’ll go to the beach.

🎭 Analogy

Think of “if” as a “maybe” road—it leads to one possibility based on conditions. 🚦
“Whether,” on the other hand, is a “fork in the road” offering two clear paths. 🌳🌲

📝 Practice Time

Fill in the blanks with if or whether:

1. I’ll call you _______ I arrive early.
2. She’s unsure _______ she locked the door before leaving.
3. Let me know _______ you want coffee or tea.
4. We’ll go to the park _______ it stops raining.

✅ Answers:

1. I’ll call you if I arrive early.
2. She’s unsure whether she locked the door before leaving.
3. Let me know whether you want coffee or tea.
4. We’ll go to the park if it stops raining.