Meaning

Introduces a simple indirect question (without a correlative)..

Definitions by Sense

1. Introduces a simple indirect question (without a correlative).
2. Indicates doubt between possibilities (usually with correlative or).
3. Introduces a disjunctive adverbial clause qualifying the main clause (with correlative or).
4. (obsolete) Introduces a direct question between alternatives (often with correlative or).
5. (obsolete) Which of two.

Example Sentences

Whether we'll be on time I'm unsure.

Do you know whether he's coming?

He chose the correct answer, but whether by luck or by skill I don't know.

I can't decide whether to get divorced now or wait.

As a political system democracy seems to me extraordinarily foolish,[…]. My servant is, so far as I am concerned, welcome to as many votes as he can get.[…]I do not suppose that it matters much in reality whether laws are made by dukes or cornerboys, but I like, as far as possible, to associate with gentlemen in private life.

The incident immediately revived the debate about goal-line technology, with a final decision on whether it is introduced expected to be taken in Zurich on 5 July.

Whether modern, industrial man is less or more warlike than his hunter-gatherer ancestors is impossible to determine. The machine gun is so much more lethal than the bow and arrow that comparisons are meaningless. One thing that is true, though, is that murder rates have fallen over the centuries, as policing has spread and the routine carrying of weapons has diminished.

He's coming, whether you like it or not.

Related Words

When Should You Use Whether?

Use whether when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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