Last updated on December 10th, 2023 at 09:16 am
Weather vs. whether
Is it whether, weather, or wether? One spelling refers to one of two possible choices, the other describes what the conditions are like outside—but which is which? Let’s take a closer look.
- Weather is a noun that refers to the state of the atmosphere and the temperature outside. As in, “The weather is beautiful today!“
- Whether is a conjunction that refers to two or more possibilities; as in, “I’m wondering whether to have the fish or the beef”.
- Wether is a male sheep that’s been castrated, and it’s probably not the word you’re looking for.
Sentences using weather
The following sentences show the correct use of the noun weather:
1. You can’t go out in this weather!
2. When the weather is nicer we’ll go for a walk.
3. Would you like to go for a picnic, weather depending.
4. If you get sick in this weather, it’s because you didn’t wear warm enough clothes!
Sentences using whether
The following sentences show the correct use of the conjunction whether:
1. I wasn’t sure whether you’d like it.
3. I was questioning whether we have the money to fund such a project.
Origin of weather/whether
Weather: Old English weder “air, sky; breeze, storm, tempest.”
Whether: Old English hwæðer, hweðer “which of two, whether,”
In Review
1. Weather describes the conditions outside.
2. Whether is used as a conjunction that refers to more than one possibility or alternative.
3. Wether is a castrated male sheep and of the three words, wether is the least uncommon.
Worksheet
Test your knowledge and understanding of the lesson:
1. I don’t know _______ to go out, or stay in tonight.
a). Weather
b). Wether
c). None of the above
d). Whether
- How’s the ____ looking outside today?
a). Whether
b). None
c). Wether
d). Weather
- They were able to __the financial storm.
a). Whether
b). None
c). Wether
d). Weather
- We’re going out, ____ you like it or not.
a). Whether
b). None
c). Wether
d). Weather
5. We had perfect ___ on our trip!
a). Whether
b). None
c). Wether
d). Weather
- The team must _____ this defeat and focus on the next game.
a). Whether
b). None
c). Wether
d). Weather
7. I wonder ____ it will rain or not.
a). Whether
b). None
c). Wether
d). Weather
- The warmer increases the dangers for people who take blood pressure medication.
a). Whether
b). None
c). Wether
d). Weather
- It doesn’t matter ___ or not it’s your fault.
a). Whether
b). None
c). Wether
d). Weather
10. The___ is normally warmest this time of month.
a). Whether
b). None
c). Wether
d). Weather
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