VOA慢速英语2020--If and Whether, Part 1

 

Have you ever been unsure about when to use "if" and when to use "whether"? If so, you are not alone. There is a reason these words can be tricky¹: They are sometimes interchangeable.

In some cases, either word can be used with no difference in meaning. For instance, you can say, "I don't know whether she left yet" or "I don't know if she left yet."However, in other cases, "if" and "whether" have different meanings or uses. You have to choose one or the other.

Both "if" and "whether" are conjunctions – words that connect two or more sentences or clauses³. And a lot is involved in their grammar, so I will cover this subject in two programs. Today's program centers on when you must use "whether" and cannot use "if."

The word "whether" signals that there are only two possibilities. Keep that in mind throughout today's program.

Before infinitives⁵

Let's start with infinitive⁴ verbs.

Before infinitives, use only the word "whether," not the word "if."

An infinitive is the most basic form of a verb. In American English, the infinitive means to + verb. "To share" and "to get" are some examples.

Listen to a sentence that contains the word "whether" followed by an infinitive verb:

My son got his favorite candy on Halloween. He cannot decide whether to share some with his friends.

The infinitive verb after "whether" here is "to share." Again, do not use "if" before infinitives. For example, do not say, "He cannot decide if to share some with his friends."

Here is another example. Listen for the infinitive verb after "whether":

I am wondering whether to get a book or magazine to read.

The infinitive following "whether" here is "to get."

After prepositions

Next, let's talk about prepositions.

After prepositions, use the word "whether." Common prepositions before "whether" include "about" and "in."

In this next example, pay attention for "whether" and the preposition that comes before it:

Can we talk about whether you are coming for the holiday?

Here, the preposition "about" comes before "whether." Again, do not use "if" after a preposition. For instance, avoid saying, "Can we talk about if you are coming for the holiday?"

Here is another example. Listen for the preposition and the word "whether," which follows it:

Teachers are very interested in whether schools will reopen soon.

Here, the preposition "in" comes before "whether." Because of this, the word "if" cannot be used.

Before ‘or not'

Next let's move to the phrase "or not."

We use "whether," not "if," directly before the words "or not."

In other words, the phrase "whether or not" is correct. The phrase "if or not" is incorrect.

Listen to an example to see what I mean. Take note that the word "whether" is immediately followed by "or not":

I called to find out whether or not you are ok.

Note that use of "or not" phrase is not required and does not affect meaning.

It is also possible to put those words at the end of the sentence. Here is an example:

I called to find out whether you are ok or not.

Just remember that the words "or not" are unneeded and do not change the meaning.

‘Regardless of whether'

However, there is one exception to that.

In some situations, "whether or not" can mean "regardless of whether." For this meaning, you must include the words "or not."

Listen to an example of how it is used:

Cassy is my friend whether Sam likes it or not.

This means that the speaker is not considering Sam's opinion on the friendship.

At start of subjects

And finally, we use only the word "whether" – not "if" – when it introduces a noun clause² that is also the sentence subject. Here is an example:

Whether he wins is not my concern.

The noun clause in this sentence is "Whether he wins" and it is the subject of the sentence.

We would not say, "If he wins is not my concern." The word "if" does not begin sentence subjects. When "if" begins a sentence, it introduces a conditional⁶ and is not part of the subject.

That's our program for this week. Join us again soon for Part 2. We will talk about when "if" must be used and when "whether" and "if" are interchangeable.

I will also show you an easy way to remember which one to choose!

Words in This Story

interchangeable – adj. capable of being used in place of each other

clause – n. a part of a sentence that has its own subject and verb

candy – n. a sweet snack made with sugar or chocolate

phrase – n. a group of two or more words that usually forms a complete sentence

regardless (of) – adv. without being stopped or affected⁷ by something

introduce – v. to bring something into use or operation for the first time

1 tricky   

adj.狡猾的，奸诈的；(工作等)棘手的，微妙的

参考例句：

• I'm in a rather tricky position.Can you help me out?我的处境很棘手，你能帮我吗？
• He avoided this tricky question and talked in generalities.他回避了这个非常微妙的问题，只做了个笼统的表述。

2 clause   

n.（正式文件或法律文件的）条款，从句，分句

参考例句：

• The sentence consists of a main clause and a subordinate clause.这句中有一个主句和一个从句。
• What clause do you require in the contract?你要求在合同中订上什么条款？

3 clauses   

从句( clause的名词复数 )； （法律文件等的）条款

参考例句：

• Relative pronouns and adverbs introduce attributive clauses. 关系代词和关系副词引导定语从句。
• Please underline the noun clauses in the passage. 请用线画出短文中的名词性从句。

4 infinitive   

n.不定词；adj.不定词的

参考例句：

• The use of the split infinitive is now generally acceptable.分裂不定式的用法现在已被广泛接受。
• Modal verbs generally take the bare infinitive.情态动词通常用不带to的不定式。

5 infinitives   

n.（动词）不定式( infinitive的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Her litmus test for good breeding is whether you split infinitives. 她测试别人是否具有良好教养的标准是看对方是否在不定式的动词前加修饰副词。 来自互联网
• Nouns, adjectives and infinitives can be used as objective complements. 名词，形容词及不定式可用作补语。 来自互联网

6 conditional   

adj.条件的，带有条件的

参考例句：

• My agreement is conditional on your help.你肯帮助我才同意。
• There are two forms of most-favored-nation treatment:conditional and unconditional.最惠国待遇有两种形式:有条件的和无条件的。

7 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。