Either vs. Whether: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Either is used to indicate one or the other of two choices. Whether introduces a clause and indicates a doubt or choice between alternatives.
Key Differences
Either is often used as a conjunction or determiner to indicate one out of two options, as in "You can choose either the red or the blue one." Whether is used to introduce a clause where there is uncertainty or a choice, like in "I'm unsure whether to go to the beach or the mountains."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Either can function as a pronoun to refer to one of two choices, for instance, "Either of these options works for me." In contrast, Whether is used to express a doubt or choice, commonly followed by 'or not,' as in "I don't know whether or not I should call him."
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Nov 20, 2023
Either is also used in negative constructions to mean 'neither,' like "I don't like either of the dishes." Whereas Whether is used in a more general sense to discuss possibilities or hypotheticals, such as "Whether it rains or shines, the event will go on."
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Nov 20, 2023
In the context of providing alternatives, Either is more specific, often referring to one of two explicitly mentioned choices. Whether, on the other hand, can introduce more open-ended possibilities and is often used in the context of decision-making or speculation.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Usage of Either often implies a mutual exclusivity between two choices, indicating a clear distinction. Whether, however, is more inclusive and can imply multiple possibilities or considerations in the decision-making process.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Function
Conjunction or determiner for two options
Clause introducer for uncertainty or choices
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Nov 20, 2023
Usage
Specifically for one of two choices
For general possibilities or hypotheticals
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Nov 20, 2023
Context
Mutual exclusivity, clear distinction
Multiple possibilities, decision-making
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Nov 20, 2023
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Either and Whether Definitions
Either
Implies one choice excludes the other.
You can have either tea or coffee, but not both.
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Nov 20, 2023
Whether
Indicates possible scenarios.
Whether he arrives on time is uncertain.
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Nov 20, 2023
Either
Indicates one out of two options.
You can either stay here or come with us.
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Nov 20, 2023
Whether
Used for expressing choices.
I can't decide whether to travel by train or plane.
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Nov 20, 2023
Either
Used to indicate a choice.
We could go to either the movie or the concert.
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Whether
Introduces a clause with doubt.
I'm wondering whether to apply for the job.
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Nov 20, 2023
Whether
For more open-ended options.
I'm not sure whether it will rain today.
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Nov 20, 2023
Whether
Used in indirect questions to introduce one alternative
We should find out whether the museum is open. See Usage Notes at doubt, if.
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Oct 19, 2023
Either
Used before the first of two or more coordinates or clauses linked by or
Either we go now or we remain here forever.
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Oct 19, 2023
Whether
Used to introduce alternative possibilities
Whether she wins or whether she loses, this is her last tournament.
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Oct 19, 2023
Either
Likewise; also. Used as an intensive following negative statements
If you don't order a dessert, I won't either.
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Oct 19, 2023
Whether
(obsolete) Introduces a direct question between alternatives (often with correlative or).
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Oct 19, 2023
Either
Each of two; both.
There is a locomotive at either end of the train, one pulling and the other pushing.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Whether
Without a correlative, introduces a simple indirect question.
Do you know whether he's coming?
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Oct 19, 2023
Either
One or the other of two people or things.
He made me two offers, but I did not accept either.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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?
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Whether
Indicates consideration of multiple factors.
She's considering whether the benefits outweigh the risks.
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Nov 20, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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?
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is whether used to introduce two options only?
Whether can introduce two or more options or a single condition.
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Nov 20, 2023
Is whether always followed by 'or not'?
Not always, but it's common to use 'or not' with whether for clarity.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can either stand alone in a sentence?
Yes, either can stand alone, as in "I don't want either."
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Nov 20, 2023
Can either imply preference?
Yes, either can imply a preference or choice between two options.
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Nov 20, 2023
Is there a difference in pronunciation between either and whether?
Yes, they have distinct pronunciations: /ˈaɪðər/ for either and /ˈwɛðər/ for whether.
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Nov 20, 2023
Does whether introduce a conditional statement?
Yes, whether often introduces conditions or hypotheticals.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can either be used in a question?
Yes, either can be used in questions involving choices.
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Nov 20, 2023
Is either used in negative sentences?
Yes, either is used in negative sentences to mean 'neither.'
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Nov 20, 2023
Can whether be used to express uncertainty?
Yes, whether is commonly used to express doubt or uncertainty.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can either link more than two items?
Typically, either is used for choices between two items.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can whether start a question?
Yes, whether can start a question, especially in indirect questions.
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Nov 20, 2023
Is either only used in comparisons?
Either is primarily used in comparisons or choices between two.
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Nov 20, 2023
Is either appropriate in legal or technical writing?
Yes, either is appropriate for clarifying choices in such contexts.
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Nov 20, 2023
Does whether indicate a more open choice?
Yes, whether often indicates a broader range of possibilities.
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Nov 20, 2023
Is whether suitable for speculative scenarios?
Yes, whether is ideal for discussing speculative or uncertain scenarios.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can either create a mutually exclusive context?
Yes, either often creates a context where one choice excludes the other.
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Nov 20, 2023
Is whether formal or informal?
Whether is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can either be replaced with 'or'?
In some contexts, either can be implied by 'or,' but it's more explicit.
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Nov 20, 2023
Does whether imply a decision will be made?
Whether often implies a decision or conclusion is pending.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can either be used as an adverb?
Yes, either can function as an adverb, as in "I don't like it either."
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Nov 20, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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