“If” and “Whether” Practice—Answer Key

Part 1. Underline all the noun clauses in the following sentences.

1. I don’t know if it is better to buy it now or to wait.

2. Whether you join me or not I am still going.

3. They want to find out if the game is on Saturday or on Sunday.

4. She hasn’t told anyone whether it’s a boy or a girl.

5. Whether he passes the final or not he will still pass the class.

6. His raise is dependent on whether he finished this project on time.

7. How will you ever figure out what you want if you don’t explore different possibilities?

“If you don’t explore the different possibilities” is an adverb clause here.

8. Whether it was a good decision is still to be determined.

Part 2. Label the following sentences as “correct” or “incorrect.”

1. How will you ever know whether you can do it if you try not?
Incorrect
2. How will he ever pass the test if he doesn’t study?
Correct
3. How will he ever determine whether she likes living in California if she doesn’t go there?
Correct
4. Whether the plan worked or not is still uncertain.
Correct
5. If the plan worked or not is still uncertain.
Incorrect
6. It is uncertain if the plan worked.
Correct

7. It is uncertain whether worked the plan.

 Incorrect
8. It is uncertain whether the plan worked or not.
Correct

Part 3. Read the “yes/no” question. Then write the words in order to complete a
related sentence with an embedded noun clause.

Example:
Does Emily need any help? Do you know if Emily needs any help?

1. Does my computer need to be updated?

I asked IT whether or not __________________. my computer needs to be updated.

2. Have they called yet?

Jason is wondering if ______. they have called yet.

3. Is there a bookstore near the park?

Google Maps can tell you if _____ or not. there is a bookstore near the park

4. Will she be able to help us out?

Tell me whether ________________ or not. she will be able to help us out.

5. Can we afford to take the day off?

I’m not sure if ______ or not. we can afford to take the day off

6. Is he a nice guy?
I’ve got to know whether ______ or not! he is a nice guy

7. Has this ever happened before?

Tell me if ________________. this has ever happened before.

8. Would you ever consider sky diving?

We want to know if _____. you would ever consider sky diving

9. Is the tax already included in the bill?

We need to know if ____. the tax is already included in the bill

10. Should I prepare the agenda for the meeting?

The secretary wants to know if _____. she should prepare the agenda for the meeting.