Whether

[Diego2000]

Hi, I would like to know the meaning of the word Whether. I have read this word in some texts but I don't understand its meaning when I traslate it. I thought "Whether" is synonym of "If" but I'm not sure.

[Cerberus™]

Yes, whether can mean the same as if; but you would use it only when you have two things to choose from:

- I don't know whether I shall take Agrippina or Melissa to the banquet.
- Whether or not Nero kills his mother is none of my concern.
- It is uncertain whether he will be there at the funeral. (Here "whether or not" is to be understood.)

Whether is a bit more conventional than "if" in this type of sentence; I prefer "whether" because it is clearer, but that is a personal choice. Consider this sentence:

- You should always inform the cook if you plan to stay for lunch.
(You should always inform the cook whether (or not) you plan to stay, or (only) in case you (actually) plan to stay?)

For a similar reason, I try not to use "if" for "though", as is frequently done. But it is not terribly important.