Word · Frequency #265
whether
是否；不论；不管
whether
- 1.
Introduces a simple indirect question (without a correlative).
引入简单的间接疑问句(无关联词)
- 2.
Indicates doubt between possibilities (usually with correlative or).
表示在可能性之间的疑虑(通常与关联词或一起使用)
- 3.
Introduces a disjunctive adverbial clause qualifying the main clause (with correlative or).
引入限定主句的选择性状语从句(与关联词或一起使用)
引入简单的间接疑问句(无关联词)；表示在可能性之间的疑虑(通常与关联词或一起使用)；引入限定主句的选择性状语从句(与关联词或一起使用)；是否；不论
In use
I don't know whether she will come to the party.
Please tell me whether you want tea or coffee.
Whether we go out depends on the weather.
whether ... or ...
用于间接疑问句，表示两种可能性。
I don't know whether he will come or not.
我不知道他是否会来。
whether to do sth
后接不定式，表示选择。
She can't decide whether to accept the offer.
她无法决定是否接受这个提议。
whether ... or ... (alternatives)
Tell me whether you want tea or coffee.
告诉我你想喝茶还是咖啡。
Connections
Collocations
- whether or not
- 是否
- I can't decide whether or not to go.我无法决定是否去。
- whether to
- 是否（做某事）
- She is considering whether to accept the offer.她正在考虑是否接受这个提议。
- whether ... or ...
- 无论…还是…
- Whether you go or stay, it's your choice.无论你去还是留，都是你的选择。
- ask whether
- 问是否
- He asked whether I had finished my homework.他问我是否完成了作业。
- decide whether
- 决定是否
- We need to decide whether to invest in the project.我们需要决定是否投资这个项目。
- know whether
Learner notes
Memory Tip
whether（是否）与weather（天气）发音相似，记作“是否带伞要看天气”
Context & Register
连词，用于引导间接疑问句或选择疑问句，通常表示“是否”。在口语和书面语中均常见，中性语域。多用于正式或非正式场合，无特定限制。
Grammar Note
用于引出两个选项，常与or连用
Pronunciation & Spelling
These words share the same ending /-eðə/ as 'whether'. Note that 'whether' begins with /hw/, while the others do not; 'weather' is a common homophone in many dialects.
High-value vocabulary
该词属于 Oxford 核心词汇，值得优先掌握常见搭配和句型。
Usage priority
Collins 词频等级为 5，建议结合例句记忆，而不是只背中文释义。
Dictionary facts from ECDICT, WIKTIONARY.