Elm3 chart12 07
- 1. Section A
- 2. We can introduce noun clauses with a wh- word (who, what, where, how, etc.). Like that clauses, wh- noun clauses can have many different functions in a sentence. For example: We don’t know if she’s right or wrong. (This means “maybe she’s right; maybe she’s wrong.”) I’m not sure whether I can join you tonight or not. (This means “maybe I can join you tonight; maybe I can’t.”)
- 3. Clauses with whether can have many different functions in a sentence. If- clauses are not used in as many different places as other kinds of noun clauses. We often use them as objects of verbs or adjective complements. For example: We don’t know if she’s right or wrong. object of a verb (The if- clause if she's right or wrong is the object of a verb.) I’m not sure whether I can join you tonight or not. adjective complement (The clause whether I can join you tonight or not is an adjective complement.)
- 4. However, they are not common in other places in a sentence. For example: isn’t certain.Whether or not he will come subject (Whether or not he will come is the subject. NOT COMMON: If he will come is not certain.)
- 5. The question is whether I should stay or go. subject complement (Whether I should stay or go is a subject complement. NOT COMMON: The question is if I should stay or go.) We talked about whether animals can truly communicate or not. subject complement (Whether animals can truly communicate or not is a subject complement. NOT COMMON: We talked about if animals can truly communicate or not.)
- 6. Section B
- 7. Sometimes only one option is mentioned in an if/whether clause. In these sentences, the second option (or not) is implied. For example: I can’t decide if I should move. (This means “maybe I should; maybe I shouldn’t.”) I can’t decide whether I should move.
- 8. Note that or not can directly follow whether, but not if. For example: Your doctor can tell you whether or not you should take your medication. (NOT: Your doctor can tell you if or not you should take your medication.)