Correlative Conjunctions:
What is the difference between
“either … or” and “whether … or”?
🔹 1. Either … or
❇️ Use: To show a choice between two options. Only one can happen.
Example 1: You can either stay here or come with us.
(Only one option is possible — stay or come.)
Example 2: I’ll have either tea or coffee.
(You will not have both, only one choice.)
✨ Key idea: Exclusive choice
🔹 2. Whether … or
❇️ Use: To show two possibilities, but the outcome/result is the same (both are acceptable).
More Examples:
Example 1: Whether it rains or shines, we’ll play the match.
(It doesn’t matter which happens — the match will happen anyway.)
Example 2: I’m happy whether you agree or disagree.
(Your choice doesn’t change my happiness.)
✨ Key idea: Both possibilities lead to the same result.
🔹 Sentence:
“___ we go hiking ___ swimming, I’ll be happy.”
If you say: Either we go hiking or swimming, I’ll be happy.
❇️ This suggests: only one choice will happen (hiking or swimming) and I’ll be happy with whichever one we choose.
If you say: Whether we go hiking or swimming, I’ll be happy.
❇️ This suggests: It doesn’t matter which happens I’ll still be happy.
🔹 Either … or (exclusive choice: only one option)
1. You can either call me or send me a message.
2. She will eat either rice or pasta for lunch.
3. We can either sit inside or outside.
🔹 Whether … or (both options possible, result the same)
1. Whether you like it or not, we must go.
2. I’ll help you whether you ask or stay silent.
3. Whether it’s hot or cold, we’ll finish the work.
✨ Main difference:
Either … or = choose one.
Whether … or = doesn’t matter which one.
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