If vs Whether

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

	If	Whether
Meaning	used to talk about a situation that may happen.	If something is true or not.
CEFR level	A1	B1
Part of speech	conjunction	conjunction
Usage notes	Use 'if' to introduce conditional situations. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts. Avoid in very formal writing where alternatives like 'should' might be preferred.	Use 'whether' to introduce options or alternatives, especially when discussing choices. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English, but can be formal in certain contexts. Avoid using it when only one option exists.

Frequently asked questions: If vs Whether

What's the difference between "If" and "Whether"?

"If" means: used to talk about a situation that may happen. "Whether" means: If something is true or not.

When should I use "If" and "Whether"?

They can all be used in everyday English.

Are "If" and "Whether" the same CEFR level?

"If" is at A1, "Whether" is at B1 on the CEFR scale.