Difference between 'IF' and 'WHETHER'

[Clark]

Can someone explain the difference between the use of IF and WHETHER?

Thanks

Clark

[Torsten]

Hi Clark,

Many thanks for your interesting question.

There are cases in which «whether» and «if» have the same meaning.

For example:

«I don't know whether you've taken all of our English tests». or: «I don't know if you've taken all our English tests».

Now, you can use whether when you want to list alternatives.

For example: «I don't know whether I'll go to the US to continue my studies or stay in Europe».
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Clark]

brilliant stuff, thanks Torsten.

[will141414]

Thanks for that info but, I still need to understand he "difference" between the two? How do i explain them to a NON native English speaker?

[Yankee]

Hi Will141414

There is a nice write-up here about if vs whether.
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Amy
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ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

[will141414]

Thats perfect!!! exactly what i needed Amy!!

Thanks a million!!