easy
I cannot decide whether to run or walk.
What does Whether mean?
Whether is used for choices between possibilities.
Dictionary definition
Used when showing a choice between two possibilities.
Example sentences
Whether in a sentence
medium
We discussed whether the claim had enough evidence.
hard
The prompt asks whether the character changed by the end of the story.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice whether in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Commonly confused words
Weather or whether?
Compare the meanings, then choose a word for each new sentence.
Weather
Conditions such as sunshine, wind, rain, and temperature.
In a sentence The weather changed from sunny to rainy.
Whether
Used to introduce possibilities or choices.
In a sentence We discussed whether to walk or cycle.
Spot the difference Weather concerns atmospheric conditions. Whether introduces possibilities or alternatives.
Which word fits?
Choose weather or whether for each blank. Say your answer, then check why it fits.
1Strong winds made the ___ unpleasant for a picnic.
Check answer 1
weather — Wind is a weather condition.
2I cannot decide ___ to draw a fox or a rabbit.
Check answer 2
whether — The sentence introduces two possible choices.
Make it your ownTry the word in a sentence about your day.
Write a sentence with whetherQuick practice
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Practice the meaning of Whether
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does whether mean?
The correct meaning is: Whether is used for choices between possibilities.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to whether?
If is close in meaning to whether in this context.
Practice 3
Which word or phrase is a useful contrast for whether?
Because contrasts with whether in this dictionary entry.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Whether
Voice settings
Sounds like
weth · er · strongest beat: weth
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordWhether.
Partconjunction.
MeaningWhether is used for choices between possibilities.
ExampleExample: I cannot decide whether to run or walk.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- weth · er
- Strongest beat
- weth
- Ending
- er
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on weth.
Your turn
Say Whether
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Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced whether.
Synonyms
Words like Whether
ifUse in many cases to introduce a possibility.
whether or notUse for both possible outcomes.
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice whether synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "Maya asked whether the library was open," then compare close word choices. Practice whether synonyms.
Word family
Whether word family
Base word
whether
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Whether
Hint for students
Whether is used for choices between possibilities.
Common mix-up
Do not confuse whether with weather. Whether introduces choices; weather describes outdoor conditions.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows whether without using the word whether. Then underline clue words that show used for choices between possibilities. Example: We discussed whether the claim had enough evidence. Clue words: discussed, claim, had, enough, evidence Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show used for choices between possibilities?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "We discussed whether the claim had enough evidence." Why does whether fit better than because?
Learning activities
Practice Whether and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice WHETHER” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice WHETHER
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with WHETHER
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
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Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
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Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
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Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Practice WHETHER
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes WHETHER.
Practice WHETHER
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
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