Definitions

If is used to describe a condition. Whether is used to describe possibilities or options.

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Use of If

If is used to describe a condition. I will work from home today if it rains heavily. We will increase the substrate concentration if we do not observe any change in the enzyme activity. If is used to add a condition for an action.

Use of Whether

Whether is used to describe possibilities or options. I am yet to decide whether to work from home today. The key clinical question is whether all patients with resectable rectal cancer should receive preoperative radiotherapy.

Difference Between If & Whether

We need to determine whether/if the stunted growth observed in these plants is due to deficiency of nitrogen or magnesium. When whether is used, it suggests that only two possibilities are being considered. However, with if, the sentence suggests more than two possibilities.

Tips to Remember

• Use if for conditional sentences. • Use whether for presenting two alternatives.

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