August Newsletter

If, Whether Or Not; When Figurative Language Fails; Texts For Effects.

If, Whether Or Not

The words ‘if’ and ‘whether’ are often used interchangeably. In most cases, it isn’t a problem. Sometimes, though, it can lead to awkwardness or misunderstanding.

Using ‘if’

‘If’ is associated with a cause and its effect, as in ‘If X (cause), then Y (effect)’.

Examples:

If I go on that ride, I will feel sick.

The melon will explode if you drop it from the tenth storey window.

In each case, the sentence suggests a predictable outcome.

If you want to indicate options, you need to change the form of the sentence. (Note the use of ‘if’ here, too).

In speech, you might hear this:

If I go on that ride or not, I will feel sick.

(Two potential ‘causes’; same result. Sickness is looming, regardless)

The melon will explode if you drop it from the tenth storey window, or not.

(It’s sure to go ‘boom’. There’s another possible cause: an explosive?)

The ‘if… or not’ construction isn’t really correct language, though, and it's clumsy when written.

There’s a better way.