IELTS Common Mistakes - If / When / Whether

1. It would be helpful .......... they could give us a breakdown of the scores.

If

When

Whether

The correct answer is "if". This is because the sentence is expressing a hypothetical situation where it would be helpful to have a breakdown of the scores. "If" is used to introduce a condition or possibility.

Explanation

The correct answer is "if". This is because the sentence is expressing a hypothetical situation where it would be helpful to have a breakdown of the scores. "If" is used to introduce a condition or possibility.

2. They carried out tests to determine .......... or not he had the disease.

If

When

Whether

The word "whether" is used to introduce a clause indicating a choice between two or more alternatives. In this context, the tests were conducted to determine if the person had the disease or not. The word "whether" is commonly used in such situations to express uncertainty or doubt about the outcome.

Explanation

The word "whether" is used to introduce a clause indicating a choice between two or more alternatives. In this context, the tests were conducted to determine if the person had the disease or not. The word "whether" is commonly used in such situations to express uncertainty or doubt about the outcome.

3. I'm sure they'd be really pleased .......... you were able to come.

If

When

Whether

The correct answer is "if" because it is used to express a condition or possibility. In this sentence, it suggests that the speaker is unsure if the person being addressed would be able to come, and if they were able to come, it would please them.

Explanation

The correct answer is "if" because it is used to express a condition or possibility. In this sentence, it suggests that the speaker is unsure if the person being addressed would be able to come, and if they were able to come, it would please them.

4. We'll probably move to a smaller house .......... the children leave home.

If

When

Whether

The correct answer is "when". The word "when" is used to indicate a specific time or event in the future. In this sentence, it suggests that the action of moving to a smaller house will occur at the time or event when the children leave home.

Explanation

The correct answer is "when". The word "when" is used to indicate a specific time or event in the future. In this sentence, it suggests that the action of moving to a smaller house will occur at the time or event when the children leave home.

5. You will need to show your driving licence .......... you collect the rental car.

If

When

Whether

The correct answer is "when". This is because "when" is used to indicate a specific point in time or a condition that must be met before an action can take place. In this case, the action of collecting the rental car can only happen after showing your driving licence.

Explanation

The correct answer is "when". This is because "when" is used to indicate a specific point in time or a condition that must be met before an action can take place. In this case, the action of collecting the rental car can only happen after showing your driving licence.

6. I'd suggest checking .......... the person has a permit or not.

If

When

Whether

The correct answer is "whether". In this context, "whether" is used to introduce a clause indicating a choice between two possibilities. It suggests that the speaker is recommending to check if the person has a permit or not, implying that there is a doubt or uncertainty about the situation. "If" and "when" do not convey the same meaning in this sentence.

Explanation

The correct answer is "whether". In this context, "whether" is used to introduce a clause indicating a choice between two possibilities. It suggests that the speaker is recommending to check if the person has a permit or not, implying that there is a doubt or uncertainty about the situation. "If" and "when" do not convey the same meaning in this sentence.

7. Some people have questioned .......... the project is useful or just a waste of money.

If

When

Whether

The word "whether" is the correct answer because it is used to introduce a choice between two or more possibilities. In this context, the sentence is discussing the doubts or questioning surrounding the usefulness of the project, indicating that there is a choice or uncertainty between whether the project is useful or just a waste of money.

Explanation

The word "whether" is the correct answer because it is used to introduce a choice between two or more possibilities. In this context, the sentence is discussing the doubts or questioning surrounding the usefulness of the project, indicating that there is a choice or uncertainty between whether the project is useful or just a waste of money.

8. Why don't you come in the summer .......... the weather's better?

If

When

Whether

The correct answer is "when." This is because the sentence is suggesting that the person should come in the summer because the weather is better during that time. "When" is used to refer to a specific time or period, which fits the context of the sentence. "If" and "whether" are not suitable in this case as they do not convey the idea of a specific time.

Explanation

The correct answer is "when." This is because the sentence is suggesting that the person should come in the summer because the weather is better during that time. "When" is used to refer to a specific time or period, which fits the context of the sentence. "If" and "whether" are not suitable in this case as they do not convey the idea of a specific time.