If Vs Whether

Visit here to get a PhD on usage of Whether..
https://magoosh.com/gmat/2012/gmat-sente ... s-whether/

I learned this from somewhere - to test whether usage of 'if' is correct, do a simple test.
Flip the sentence to a format of 'If..then..' statement - it it makes sense, it will be the right answer..

for example:
This decade has seen no end to the controversy over if state-run day care centers are a necessary response to changes in employment patterns

Inverting to 'if then' format looks like:
if state-run day care centers are a necessary response to changes in employment patterns [then] this decade has seen no end to the controversy over..

This actually doesnt make sense..

hope it helps..!!

Which one is correct?
Whether.........or..........; whether x or y
Whether.........and........; whether x and y

Depends on the context
Whether A and B should go to the party..Both should attend or not
Whether A or B should go to the party..Which of them should attend

Here is the rule from GMATPREP.

IF - Use "IF" for condition statement.
WHETHER - Use "Whether" to show two possible alternatives.

How we will know whether to use "IF" or "Whether"?

A conditional statement can be reversed.

For example: If you prepare well for gmat, Then you will score 700 plus.
You will score 700 plus, If you prepare well for GMAT. --> Makes sense. Hence usage of "IF" is correct here.

Example 2: Ram doesn't know WHETHER he will get a good score in GMAT.
Ram doesn't know IF he will get a good score in GMAT.--> Replacing "Whether" with "If"
IF he will get a good score in GMAT, then Ram doesn't know --> Reversing the order doesn't make sense. Hence usage of "Whether" is correct.

Use the reversing technique to determine whether to use "IF".

Can someone kindly explain the difference between using Whether and If?
Thank You!

Hi, there has been a great explanation going on here.

Please search before posting.

I have merged your topic with the existing one.

Hi abansal1805, as mentioned above, if is used for a conditional sentence, whereas whether is used when the intent is to depict a choice, an alternative or a possibility.

A handy thing to remember is that two specific situations in which whether should be used are:

1. After prepositions
2. After verbs

p.s. Our book EducationAisle Sentence Correction Nirvana has a section that discusses whether vs if. Have attached the corresponding section of the book, for your reference.

If condition, then result.
Whether x or y. Whether is used to present comparison.

I agree with most of your explanation, but "or not" is not redundant in all cases. When the 2 clauses stand apart, the alternative must be made explicit by introducing "or not" with "whether".
Whether or not I get my bonus, I will buy a PS5.