Is Whether A Conjunction? 3 Facts(When, How & Examples)

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Every word belongs to a part of speech. We shall in this article find the answer to the question, is “whether” a conjunction.

The word “whether” is a conjunction. Words which are used as connectors or linkers to join words, phrases, sentences or clauses are conjunctions. In that manner, the word “whether” is a conjunction whilst it is associating a dependent clause (subordinate clause) with a principal clause (main clause).

With the aid of a few exciting facts and examples, let us examine the usage of the word “whether” as a conjunction.

When is “whether” a conjunction?

We have already got to know that the word “whether” is a conjunction. Now let us discuss about the places where (when) the word “whether” is utilized as a conjunction. The table below lists down the instances when the word “whether” is a conjunction.

Instances when “whether” is a conjunctionExamples
a. When there is a sense of choice or doubt in choosing any one of the two alternatives.I am not sure whether I would attend the farewell party or not.
b. When there is a need to enquire to know which of the two probabilities is true or correct.She asked me whether I have submitted the report.
c. When a statement is true or an event will occur irrespective of the two probabilities or alternativesWhether you attend the classes or not, you will have to take up your test.
When is “whether” a conjunction?

The word “whether” can function as a conjunction both in the beginning and in the middle of the sentence, depending upon the position of the subordinate clause. 

How is “whether” a subordinating conjunction?

Conjunctions can be of different types. Here we will see the reason why (how), the conjunctions “whether” falls under the category of subordinating conjunctions.

“Whether” is a subordination conjunction because it introduces a subordinate clause (dependent clause), thereby joining it with a main clause (independent clause) to form a single unified sentence. Any conjunction that is introducing a subordinate clause falls under the subordinating conjunctions list.

Example: Suhasini questioned Raghu whether he has taken her book.

  • Main Clause: Suhasini questioned Raghu
  • Subordinate Clause: whether he has taken her book
  • Subordinating Conjunction: whether

In the above sentence, the subordinate clause is starting with the conjunction “whether”. The conjunction “whether” functions as a connector in joining the dependent clause with the independent clause. Thus, the conjunction “whether” is considered to be a subordinating conjunction.

Examples of “whether” as conjunction

Let us get a better understanding about the usage of the word “whether” as a conjunction with the help of a few examples and their related explanations.

The table below lists examples where the word “whether” is functioning as a conjunction.

ExamplesClausesSituations where “whether” is used as a conjunction
1. Ruhana is still deciding whether to wear this dress or not.Main Clause: Ruhana is still deciding
Subordinate Clause: whether to wear this dress or not		In this sentence, the word “whether” is functioning as a conjunction as it is joining the dependent clause with an independent clause.

The usage of conjunction “whether” denotes Ruhana’s sense of doubt in deciding to wear this dress or not.
2. The stranger on the road asked me whether I live in this town.Main Clause: The stranger on the road asked me
Subordinate Clause: whether I live in this town		In this sentence, the word “whether” is functioning as a conjunction since it is linking the dependent clause with an independent clause to form one sentence.

The conjunction “whether” here is used to enquire if “I” live in this town.
3. Whether you like it or not, this is my final decision.Main Clause: this is my final decision
Subordinate Clause: whether you like it or not		In this sentence, the word “whether” takes up the role of a conjunction. The dependent clause begins with conjunction “whether” and it also connects it with the principal clause.

The conjunction “whether” here is used indicate that irrespective of “you” liking the decision or not, the decision is final.  
4. I do not know whether I will take part in the quiz competition or not.Main Clause: I do not know
Subordinate Clause: whether I will take part in the quiz competition or not		In this sentence, the word “whether” is utilized as a conjunction as it is joining the subordinate clause with an independent clause.

The usage of conjunction “whether” shows the sense of doubt or uncertainty of “I” in participating in the quiz competition.
5. Rupali asked me whether I would like to join her for lunch.Main Clause: Rupali asked me
Subordinate Clause: whether I would like to join her for lunch		In this sentence, the word “whether” taking up the role of a conjunction since it is linking the dependent clause with an independent clause, thereby forming one sentence.

Here, the conjunction “whether” is used for the purpose of enquiring or questioning if “I” would like to join for lunch.
6. Whether the jury agrees or not, we are going to escalate the issue to higher authorities.Main Clause: we are going to escalate the issue to higher authorities
Subordinate Clause: whether the jury agrees or not		In this sentence, the word “whether” functions as a conjunction.  The dependent cause begins with “whether” which helps in joining it with the main clause.

The conjunction “whether” is used here to depict that irrespective of the jury agreeing to it or not, “we” will be escalating the issues to the higher authorities.  
Examples of “whether” as conjunction

Difference between “whether” and “if” as conjunction

Though the subordinating conjunctions “whether” and “if” may seem to mean similar, there are subtle differences in their meaning. Here let us explore those differences.

The table below gives a brief over view on some of the major differences between the usages of conjunctions “whether” and “if”.

Conjunction “whether”Conjunction “if”
1. The conjunction “whether” is used at instances when the subordinate clauses express a sense of doubt, a probability or when an enquiry has to be made.1. The conjunction “if” is used at instances when the subordinate clauses are conditional clauses that express a cause and effect.
Example: We are not sure whether we could complete the project by tomorrow or not.

Subordinate clause: whether we could complete the project by tomorrow or not

In this sentence, the subordinate clause expresses a sense of doubt about being able to or not being able to complete the project.		Example: If we put all our efforts, we will be able to complete the project by tomorrow.

Subordinate Clause: if we put all our efforts

In this sentence, the subordinate clause is a conditional clause which expresses the possible effect of being able to complete the project by tomorrow with the condition being putting all our efforts.
2. “Whether” can be utilized when the choice has to be made or the probability is between only two alternatives.2. “If” can be utilized when the choice has to be made or the probability is between more than two alternatives.
Example: We will let you know whether the event is on Monday or Wednesday.

In this sentence, the conjunction “whether” is used to denote two alternatives (Monday / Wednesday) when the event might be held.		Example: We will let you know if the event is on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday.

In this sentence, the conjunction “if” is used to denote three (more than two) alternatives (Monday / Wednesday / Friday) when the even might be held.
Difference between “whether” and “if” as conjunction

Conclusion

With suitable examples and interesting facts, this article thus gives us an overview on the subordinating conjunction “whether”.