Table of Contents
“Weather” is snow, rain, sleet, sunshine, fog, etc.
“Whether” is a choice to do something (or not).
Weather
“Weather” does not offer us a choice. It simply comes and is whatever it will be: snow, rain, lack of either, sunshine, cloudy, cold, hot, somewhere between.
Whether
“Whether” offers a choice, often “or not.” “Whether” has an “h” as the second letter. “Choice” has an “h” as the second letter.
The problem is that we often do not pronounce the “h” in “whether.” However, when writing, if a choice is offered, use “whether.”
The choice or alternative may be written or implied.
Examples:
- It was not just the cold weather that bothered the hunter. He hadn’t eaten since before dawn.
- (“weather” = hot, cold, wet, dry, pleasant)
- As he waited, he debated whether or not to go back to camp.
- (“whether” = he has a choice)
- The elk, a big one, was not bothered by the cold weather as he slipped into the meadow, browsing as he moved.
- (“weather” = hot, cold, wet, dry, pleasant)
- The hunter studied the elk. He questioned whether he would be able to drag out such a large animal by himself.
- (“whether” = choice, in this case, whether or not, with the “or not” implied)
Credits: Photo by Craig Whitehead, Photo by Keith Champaco on Unsplash