Whether versus Weather – What’s the Gist?
Despite having identical pronunciations, whether and weather function as different parts of speech and their meanings never overlap with each other.
- Whether is a subordinating conjunction, and it typically introduces a clause.
- Weather is a noun, and it refers the state of the atmosphere (heat, cold, rain, dry conditions, etc.)
How to Use Whether in a Sentence
Whether definition. Whether can have multiple meanings. First, the speaker can express some doubt about two choices he or she must make.
For example,
- I am unsure whether or not to go to the after-school meeting when I need to study for a test tomorrow.
Whether can also refer to the two choices that one must make.
For example,
- I have to decide whether to stay in band or take an art class.
- Your bonus will be paid whether you attend the Christmas party or not.
How to Use Weather in a Sentence
Weather definition. Weather refers to atmospheric conditions, such as heat or cold, the presence of precipitation, and even the amount of moisture in the air (humidity).
Weather should be used when you are discussing the conditions outside.
For example,
- The oppressive heat has dominated weather reports on the nightly news this week.
- Our plans were dependent upon the weather.
Weather can also be used as an adjective to explain how certain objects have become aged and worn.
For example,
- The old cowboy’s face was weathered by years of sun exposure.
Whether and weather are often confused because they are homophones. However, one can consider how the word is being used to determine which word is appropriate.
Outside Examples of Whether and Whether
- Some winter weather terms are technical. Washington Post
- The investigative approach taken to understand the various aspects of the market is aimed at giving the readers a holistic view of the Weather Forecasting Services market. Chicago Times
- Trump said he’s ‘looking at’ whether Apple should be exempt from China tariffs during visit to the company’s facility in Texas (headline) Chicago Times
- Browns tight end David Njoku is back from injured reserve, following a Week Two wrist injury. It has yet to be determined whether he’ll be back on the field on Sunday. New York Times
Phrases that Use Whether and Weather
Perhaps one of the most well-known idioms using the word weather is to say one is feeling “under the weather.” This phrase means that one is ill or sick, or simply not feeling well.
To be clear, there are many idioms that may refer to weather events, but this example is the most popular one. Also, it actually uses the word weather whereas many weather-related idioms may refer to an actual weather event, such as rain or snow.
Whether has a few idioms that are quite familiar. You might hear someone say he or she doesn’t “know whether I’m coming or going.” This means that the person is confused or very preoccupied. You might also hear the phrase “didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.” This means that the person was surprised. Both of these phrases have to do with some type of chaotic happenings.
How to Remember These Words
An easy way to remember when to use whether or weather is to take a look at the spelling of weather.
If you’ll be discussing a rainy day or the sweltering summer heat, use weather. You can remember to use this spelling because rain, heat, and weather all contain the letter “A.”
Additionally, if it is cold outside, you might need a jacket, another word that shares the letter “A” with weather.
Article Summary
Is whether or weather correct? Whether you sentence calls for weather or whether is an important question, as both words function as different parts of speech.
- Whether shows that the speaker is deliberating a choice.
- Weather refers to the atmospheric conditions outside. You can remember to use this word if you have to dress a certain way in order to face the weather