English grammar
Alternatives: whether… or (not), be it… or…, either… or…
Say that something happens whatever the alternative, and set out two options.
From the scene Whether… or…
In short
Whether… or… means the result is the same either way; use the present, not will.
Your turn
Which one goes with present, not will, after whether?
Options: whether he asks or not, I'm not here · whether it rains or shines · be it hot chocolate and churros, or cake
Show answer
present, not will, after whether → whether he asks or not, I'm not here
How it works
Whether… or… (whether it rains or shines) means the result is the same either way; like if and when, it takes the present for the future, never will.
Good to know
Whether… or not is the short form. Be it… or… (be it churros or cake) is a formal way to list options.
Good to know
Either… or… gives two options and only one will happen.
it makes no difference which whether it rains or shines
Elena
Whether it rains or shines, I'm launching my book.
Tanto si llueve como si hace sol, yo presento mi libro.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank), I'm launching my book.
Options: Be it hot chocolate and churros · Whether it rains or shines · Whether he asks or not
Show answer
Elena
Whether it rains or shines, I'm launching my book.
Tanto si llueve como si hace sol, yo presento mi libro.
present, not will, after whether whether he asks or not, I'm not here
Elena
Whether he asks or not, I'm not here.
Tanto si pregunta como si no, yo no estoy aquí.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: Whether it rains or shines · Be it hot chocolate and churros, or cake · Whether he asks or not, I'm not here
Show answer
Elena
Whether he asks or not, I'm not here.
Tanto si pregunta como si no, yo no estoy aquí.
listing options (formal) be it hot chocolate and churros, or cake
Tomás
And to eat, be it hot chocolate and churros, or cake.
Y para comer, ya sea chocolate con churros, ya sea tarta.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
And to eat, (blank).
Options: be it hot chocolate and churros, or cake · whether it rains or shines · whether he asks or not, I'm not here
Show answer
Tomás
And to eat, be it hot chocolate and churros, or cake.
Y para comer, ya sea chocolate con churros, ya sea tarta.
one of two things will happen either I tell him myself, or he finds out online
Elena
Oh my goodness! Either I tell him myself, or he finds out online.
¡Ay, Dios mío! O bien se lo cuento yo, o bien se entera por internet.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Oh my goodness! (blank).
Options: Either I tell him myself, or he finds out online · Whether it rains or shines · Whether he asks or not, I'm not here
Show answer
Elena
Oh my goodness! Either I tell him myself, or he finds out online.
¡Ay, Dios mío! O bien se lo cuento yo, o bien se entera por internet.
the short form whether it's in the square or not
Tomás
Whether it's in the square or not, I'm bringing the coffee.
Sea en la plaza o no, el café lo pongo yo.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank), I'm bringing the coffee.
Options: Whether he asks or not, I'm not here · Whether it's in the square or not · Whether it rains or shines
Show answer
Tomás
Whether it's in the square or not, I'm bringing the coffee.
Sea en la plaza o no, el café lo pongo yo.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| it makes no difference which | whether it rains or shines |
|---|---|
| present, not will, after whether | whether he asks or not, I'm not here |
| listing options (formal) | be it hot chocolate and churros, or cake |
| one of two things will happen | either I tell him myself, or he finds out online |
| the short form | whether it's in the square or not |
More lines from the story
- ElenaHow kind, Tomás! But it'll be in the square, not at La Esquina.¡Qué detalle, Tomás! Pero será en la plaza, no en La Esquina.