whether
Translation
whether
Examples
I don't know whether he is coming.
I don't know whether he is coming.
Whether you like it or not, you have to do it.
Whether you like it or not, you have to do it.
Grammar Patterns
[verb] + whether + [clause] to introduce an indirect yes/no question I don't know whether he is coming.
whether ... or not to express a choice between two possibilities Whether you like it or not, you have to do it.
Similar Words
Synonyms: if (in some contexts)
Etymology
Derived from Old English 'hwæðer', which meant 'which of two'. This origin highlights its function of introducing alternatives.
Memory Tips
Homophone alert: 'whether' vs 'weather'. Remember, you check the 'weather' to decide 'whether' to take an umbrella. It's about a choice.