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kidderek
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If vs. Whether . . . 19 Oct 2006, 09:17
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Can someone clarify?

From my understanding, if is used for situations that need an "if . . . then"
and whether is used for choice of one of two things.

I don't know if I will go to the party = incorrect

I don't know whether I will go to the party = correct

Wesley Snipes knew that if he didn't pay taxes, he would get caught. = correct.

is this correct?



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GMATT73
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If vs. Whether . . . 19 Oct 2006, 09:19
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kidderek
Can someone clarify?

From my understanding, if is used for situations that need an "if . . . then"
and whether is used for choice of one of two things.

I don't know if I will go to the party = incorrect

I don't know whether I will go to the party = correct

Wesley Snipes knew that if he didn't pay taxes, he would get caught. = correct.

is this correct?
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Hypothetical tone (would) is always preceded by whether.
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sangarelli
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If vs. Whether . . . 19 Oct 2006, 10:24
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kidderek
Can someone clarify?

From my understanding, if is used for situations that need an "if . . . then"
and whether is used for choice of one of two things.

I don't know if I will go to the party = incorrect

I don't know whether I will go to the party = correct

Wesley Snipes knew that if he didn't pay taxes, he would get caught. = correct.

is this correct?
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Yes kidderek u r perfectly right
If is used when something is imperative,absolutely essential or else another condition does not stand.
Whereas whether is used when we have two outcomes to the first condition.
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burningskulls
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If vs. Whether . . . 19 Oct 2006, 13:25
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Can someone give some more examples of hypothetical scenarios and when to use if or whether..

Thanks,
Micah
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kidderek
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If vs. Whether . . . 25 Oct 2006, 07:11
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This might be far-fetched and all-inclusive, but for the purpose of the gmat, if "whether" can be used, it should always be used. If "whether" cannot be used, then "if . . . then" must be used.



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