Either vs. Whether: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 3, 2023
"Either" indicates one of two choices, while "Whether" introduces alternatives or expresses uncertainty.
Key Differences
"Either" and "Whether" are both conjunctions in English grammar, but they serve different purposes. "Either" typically indicates a choice between two alternatives. It can also function as an adjective or pronoun, often pointing out one or the other of two entities.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
On the other hand, "Whether" is used to introduce indirect questions or to indicate doubt or a choice between alternatives. It often precedes clauses that present two or more alternatives, not just two as in the case with "Either." "Whether" does not have the flexibility of functioning as an adjective or pronoun like "Either" does.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
To further understand, consider the sentences: "You can have either chocolate or vanilla" and "I'm not sure whether I want chocolate or vanilla." In the former, "Either" presents two clear choices, while in the latter, "Whether" shows uncertainty in choosing.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
In essence, while both "Either" and "Whether" involve options or choices, "Either" specifically points to one of two options, and "Whether" introduces a doubt or multiple possibilities without limiting them to just two.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Comparison Chart
Function in Sentence
Indicates one of two choices
Introduces alternatives or uncertainty
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
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Either and Whether Definitions
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Whether
Used to introduce alternatives.
I don’t know whether it's true or false.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Whether
Denoting uncertainty between options.
We must decide whether to proceed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
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Either
Used before the first of two or more coordinates or clauses linked by or
Either we go now or we remain here forever.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Whether
Used in indirect questions to introduce one alternative
We should find out whether the museum is open. See Usage Notes at doubt, if.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Whether
Used to introduce alternative possibilities
Whether she wins or whether she loses, this is her last tournament.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Either
Likewise; also. Used as an intensive following negative statements
If you don't order a dessert, I won't either.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Either
Each of two; both.
There is a locomotive at either end of the train, one pulling and the other pushing.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Whether
(obsolete) Introduces a direct question between alternatives (often with correlative or).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Whether
Indicates doubt between possibilities (usually with correlative or).
He chose the correct answer, but whether by luck or by skill I don't know.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Either
One or the other of two people or things.
He made me two offers, but I did not accept either.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Whether
Without a correlative, introduces a simple indirect question.
Do you know whether he's coming?
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Whether
Introduces a disjunctive adverbial clause qualifying the main clause (with correlative or).
He's coming, whether you like it or not.
Whether or not you're successful, you can be sure you did your best.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Either
As well.
I don't like him, and I don't like her either.
I know a cheap Spanish restaurant. It's not far from here, either.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Whether
Which (of two); which one (of two); - used interrogatively and relatively.
Now choose yourself whether that you liketh.
One day in doubt I cast for to compareWhether in beauties' glory did exceed.
Whether of them twain did the will of his father?
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Either
Introduces the first of two (or occasionally more) options or possibilities, the second (or last) of which is introduced by “or”.
Either you eat your dinner or you go to your room.
You can have either potatoes or rice with that, but not both.
You'll be either early, late, or on time.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Whether
In case; if; - used to introduce the first or two or more alternative clauses, the other or others being connected by or, or by or whether. When the second of two alternatives is the simple negative of the first it is sometimes only indicated by the particle not or no after the correlative, and sometimes it is omitted entirely as being distinctly implied in the whether of the first.
And now who knowsBut you, Lorenzo, whether I am yours?
You have said; but whether wisely or no, let the forest judge.
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord; whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
But whether thus these things, or whether not;Whether the sun, predominant in heaven,Rise on the earth, or earth rise on the sun, . . . Solicit not thy thoughts with matters hid.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Either
One of two; the one or the other; - properly used of two things, but sometimes of a larger number, for any one.
Lepidus flatters both,Of both is flattered; but he neither loves,Nor either cares for him.
Scarce a palm of ground could be gotten by either of the three.
There have been three talkers in Great British, either of whom would illustrate what I say about dogmatists.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Whether
Introducing an indirect question.
She asked whether he would be attending the party.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Either
Each of two; the one and the other; both; - formerly, also, each of any number.
His flowing hairIn curls on either cheek played.
On either side . . . was there the tree of life.
The extreme right and left of either army never engaged.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Either
Either precedes two, or more, coördinate words or phrases, and is introductory to an alternative. It is correlative to or.
Either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth.
Few writers hesitate to use either in what is called a triple alternative; such as, We must either stay where we are, proceed, or recede.
Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs?
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Either
After a negative statement used as an intensive meaning something like `likewise' or `also';
He isn't stupid, but he isn't exactly a genius either
I don't know either
If you don't order dessert I won't either
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Either
Used to emphasize a negative statement.
I don't like coffee, and he doesn't either.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
FAQs
Can "Either" refer to more than two options?
Typically, "Either" refers to one of two choices.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can "Either" and "Whether" be used interchangeably?
No, they have distinct grammatical and semantic roles.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
When do I use "Whether" over "If"?
Use "Whether" for choices or uncertainty and "If" for conditions.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Is "Whether" used to express doubt?
Yes, "Whether" can express uncertainty or doubt.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can "Either" function as an adjective?
Yes, e.g., "You can take either route."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Can "Either" be used to emphasize a negative statement?
Yes, e.g., "I don't like it, and he doesn't either."
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Can "Either" be used as a pronoun?
Yes, e.g., "Either of the options is fine."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is "Whether" always followed by "or not"?
No, "or not" can be implied, e.g., "I wonder whether she'll come."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Can "Whether" be used without specifying options?
Yes, e.g., "I don't know whether she will come."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is "Whether" used in indirect questions?
Yes, e.g., "He asked whether she had arrived."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Are there any synonyms for "Either"?
Depending on the context, "one or the other" could work.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
How do I decide between "Either" and "Whether"?
Use "Either" for one of two choices and "Whether" for uncertainty or alternatives.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Can "Whether" be used in negative statements?
Yes, e.g., "I don't know whether to be happy or sad."
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Is "Either" always followed by "or"?
Typically, yes, as in "Either this or that."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
What is the main difference between "Either" and "Whether"?
"Either" indicates one of two options, while "Whether" introduces alternatives or expresses uncertainty.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Can "Either" mean "both" in some contexts?
Yes, in sentences like "There are trees on either side of the river."
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Can "Either" be used in positive statements?
Yes, but it's less common, e.g., "Either way, it's fine."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
What does "Whether or not" mean?
It means regardless of whether a stated circumstance happens.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Is "Either" used to indicate a similarity?
Rarely, as in "His coat is black, and hers is either."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Are there synonyms for "Whether"?
"If" can be a synonym in some contexts but not always.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
