Weather vs. whether
Is the right word whether, weather, or wether? One spelling refers to one of two possible choices, the other describes what the conditions are like outside, and one is a male sheep.
The weather forecast looks promising for our picnic tomorrow.
She couldn’t decide whether to wear a coat or just a sweater.
I wasn’t sure weather the store was open today.
We had to cancel our hike because of the terrible whether.
| word | used in a sentence |
| weather [noun] | When the weather is nicer we’ll go for a walk. |
| whether [conjunction] | I wasn’t sure whether you’d like it. |
| wether [n., male sheep] | Maybe we can sell this wether because it is not capable of mating. |
- Weather is a noun that refers to the state of the atmosphere and the temperature outside; e.g., “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”.
A wether is a term for a male sheep that’s been castrated, and is probably not the word you’re looking for. It does make for some fun trivia though.
“Weather”, used in sentences
| Sentences with “weather“ |
| You can’t go out in this weather!
Would you like to go for a picnic, weather depending. When the weather is nicer we’ll go for a walk. If you get sick in this weather, it’s because you didn’t wear warm enough clothes! |
“Whether” used in sentences
| Examples with “whether“ |
| I wasn’t sure whether you’d like it.
Anyway, it’s a good story, whether or not it’s true. I was questioning whether we have the money to fund such a project. It’s doubtful whether there’ll be any seats left. |
”Whether” synonyms
- whatever
- anyway
- anyway
- however
- regardless
- after all
- anyhow
- in any case
- no matter
- always
- nevertheless
- at any rate
- at all events
- in any event
“Weather” synonyms
- climate
- elements
- temperature
Use the ‘a’ in weather to remember it’s about ‘air’ conditions outside. Whether is the word you use for choices.
Origin of weather/whether
Weather: Old English weder “air, sky; breeze, storm, tempest.”
Whether: Old English hwæðer, hweðer “which of two, whether,”
In review: weather vs. whether
1. Weather describes the conditions outside.
2. Whether is 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: weather vs. whether
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
Read about other commonly confused words
- Is it Elude or Allude?
- When To Use Infer vs. Imply
- What’s the Difference Between Invoke and Evoke?
- Is it Allot, A lot or Alot?
- Which is it: Allusion or Illusion?
- Insure, Ensure or Assure?
- Averse or Adverse?
- “Accept” vs. “Except”: What’s the Difference?
Sources
- “Wether.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wether. Accessed 26 Feb. 2024.
- “Whether or no.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster.
Work Sheet
I’m not sure __________ or not I should go to the party.
The __________ outside is sunny and warm.
__________ you like it or not, you have to finish your homework.
Do you know __________ the train is on time?
The forecast predicts stormy __________ for tomorrow.
I doubt __________ she will arrive on time.
Because of the bad __________, we stayed inside.
He didn’t know __________ to laugh or cry.
The __________ is supposed to be clear tomorrow.
__________ or not you agree, the decision has been made.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “weather” mean?
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What does “whether” mean?
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What is “wether?”
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How can I remember “weather” vs. “whether”?
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Can I say “terrible whether” about a storm?
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Yash, D. "When is it Correct to Use Weather vs Whether?." Grammarflex, Jun 11, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/whether-vs-weather/.
