Either vs. Whether: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Function in Sentence
Indicates one of two choices
Introduces alternatives or uncertainty
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Number of Alternatives
Typically two
Two or more
Usage as
Conjunction, adjective, pronoun
Mainly conjunction
Example
"Either this or that"
"Whether this or that"
Associated Terms
Often paired with "or"
Can be paired with "or" and "if"
Either and Whether Definitions
Either
Used to indicate a similarity.
His shoes are blue, and hers are either.
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Whether
Used to introduce alternatives.
I don’t know whether it's true or false.
Either
Introducing the first of two options.
Either go big or go home.
Whether
Introducing a possibility.
I wonder whether she'll come to the event.
Either
Expressing an alternative.
You can wear either a dress or a skirt.
Whether
Denoting uncertainty between options.
We must decide whether to proceed.
Either
One or the other of two.
You can sit on either side of the table.
Whether
Expressing doubt or a choice.
I'm unsure whether to go or stay.
Either
Used before the first of two or more coordinates or clauses linked by or
Either we go now or we remain here forever.
Whether
Used in indirect questions to introduce one alternative
We should find out whether the museum is open. See Usage Notes at doubt, if.
Either
Any one of two; one or the other
Wear either coat.
Whether
Used to introduce alternative possibilities
Whether she wins or whether she loses, this is her last tournament.
Either
One and the other; each
Rings on either hand.
Whether
Either
He passed the test, whether by skill or luck.
Either
Likewise; also. Used as an intensive following negative statements
If you don't order a dessert, I won't either.
Whether
(obsolete) Which of two.
Either
Any one (of two).
You can have it in either colour.
Whether
(obsolete) Which of two.
Either
Each of two; both.
There is a locomotive at either end of the train, one pulling and the other pushing.
Whether
(obsolete) Introduces a direct question between alternatives (often with correlative or).
Either
Any one (of more than two).
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.
Either
One or the other of two people or things.
He made me two offers, but I did not accept either.
Whether
Without a correlative, introduces a simple indirect question.
Do you know whether he's coming?
Either
(obsolete) Both, each of two or more.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Whether
Introducing an indirect question.
She asked whether he would be attending the party.
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.
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?
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
Either
Used to emphasize a negative statement.
I don't like coffee, and he doesn't either.
FAQs
Can "Either" refer to more than two options?
Typically, "Either" refers to one of two choices.
Can "Either" and "Whether" be used interchangeably?
No, they have distinct grammatical and semantic roles.
When do I use "Whether" over "If"?
Use "Whether" for choices or uncertainty and "If" for conditions.
Is "Whether" used to express doubt?
Yes, "Whether" can express uncertainty or doubt.
Can "Either" function as an adjective?
Yes, e.g., "You can take either route."
Can "Either" be used to emphasize a negative statement?
Yes, e.g., "I don't like it, and he doesn't either."
Can "Either" be used as a pronoun?
Yes, e.g., "Either of the options is fine."
Is "Whether" always followed by "or not"?
No, "or not" can be implied, e.g., "I wonder whether she'll come."
Can "Whether" be used without specifying options?
Yes, e.g., "I don't know whether she will come."
Is "Whether" used in indirect questions?
Yes, e.g., "He asked whether she had arrived."
Are there any synonyms for "Either"?
Depending on the context, "one or the other" could work.
How do I decide between "Either" and "Whether"?
Use "Either" for one of two choices and "Whether" for uncertainty or alternatives.
Can "Whether" be used in negative statements?
Yes, e.g., "I don't know whether to be happy or sad."
Is "Either" always followed by "or"?
Typically, yes, as in "Either this or that."
What is the main difference between "Either" and "Whether"?
"Either" indicates one of two options, while "Whether" introduces alternatives or expresses uncertainty.
Can "Either" mean "both" in some contexts?
Yes, in sentences like "There are trees on either side of the river."
Can "Either" be used in positive statements?
Yes, but it's less common, e.g., "Either way, it's fine."
What does "Whether or not" mean?
It means regardless of whether a stated circumstance happens.
Is "Either" used to indicate a similarity?
Rarely, as in "His coat is black, and hers is either."
Are there synonyms for "Whether"?
"If" can be a synonym in some contexts but not always.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
