Weather and Whether
Whether and weather are sometimes confused. They are called homophones because they sound the same but have different meanings an spellings. So, whether or weather, which one should you use and when?
Weather vs Whether
Weather is a noun and a verb
As a noun, it refers to the state of the atmosphere and includes temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and precipitation.
Examples
- This weekend’s weather is expected to be sunny.
- I checked the weather forecast before setting off.
- Stormy weather is forecast by the end of the week.
- The weather forecast suggests it is going to be changeable.
- I’m expecting cold weather.
As a verb, it can be part of an idiomatic expression meaning to endure or survive a difficult or turbulent situation.
Examples
- The company managed to weather the economic storm.
- I’m feeling under the weather.
- He’s a fair-weather friend.
- After issuing poor results, the company just managed to weather the shareholder disappointment.
- I’m going to weather the onslaught, come what may.
Whether is a conjunction used to introduce alternative possibilities or to express a doubt or choice between options.
Examples
- I’m not sure whether to go to the party or not.
- She asked whether it would rain tomorrow.
- I haven’t decided whether to get a new laptop.
- We accept they are part of our lives, whether we like it or not.
- I wonder whether the rooms have a shower or a bath.
Just imagine
You intend to go on a hike and ponder whether it may rain, snow, or shine. You consult the weather-forecast which indicates a mixed outlook of sun, rain, and wind. You press on regardless, deciding to weather the weather, whether it shines, rains, or blows.
Quick recap
Weather is both a noun and a verb:
- As a noun it refers to the state of the atmosphere and includes temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and precipitation.
- As a verb, it can be part of an idiomatic expression meaning to endure or survive a difficult or turbulent situation, such as to weather the storm.
Whether is a conjunction used to introduce alternative possibilities or to express a doubt or choice between options.
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