whether ??

[94BANSHEE]

hi. i had a question about "whether".

when do i use such a word?? i use either and niether

quite often but what is the rule with this word?

thanks!

[Alan]

'Whether' is a conjunction having the meaning 'if...(or not)' that can introduce two types of clause:

(1) nominal clauses, as in

I don't know WHETHER she's going to come tomorrow.

(2) concessive adverbial clauses, as in

WHETHER it's sunny or not, we'll still go out!

Note that:

1. In type (1), 'whether' can be replaced by 'if'.
2. In type (1) the words 'or not' are redundant, although - on account of confusion with type (2), where they are obligatory - native speakers often add them.