whether alternatives

[aysaa]

Hi,

1- Whether the students will be happy (or not) depends on the teacher.

Alternatives:
a- It depends on the teacher whether the students will be happy (or not).
b- It depends on the teacher if the students will be happy (or not).

2- Whether (or not) the famous singer was the spy is still unknown.

Alternatives:
a- It is still kown whether (or not) the famous singer was the spy.
b- It is still kown if the famous singer was the spy.

Could you please tell me the alternatives I have given above are correct or not?

Thanks.

 

[bhaisahab]

Hi,

1- Whether the students will be happy (or not) depends on the teacher.

Alternatives:
a- It depends on the teacher whether the students will be happy (or not).
b- It depends on the teacher if the students will be happy (or not).

2- Whether (or not) the famous singer was the spy is still unknown.

Alternatives:
a- It is still kown whether (or not) the famous singer was the spy.
b- It is still kown if the famous singer was the spy.

Could you please tell me the alternatives I have given above are correct or not?

Thanks.

Of course they are not. You have changed "unknown" to "known", as I'm sure you know.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Hi,

1- Whether the students will be happy (or not) depends on the teacher.

Alternatives:
a- It depends on the teacher whether the students will be happy (or not).
b- It depends on the teacher if the students will be happy (or not).

2- Whether (or not) the famous singer was the spy is still unknown.

Alternatives:
a- It is still kown whether (or not) the famous singer was the spy.
b- It is still kown if the famous singer was the spy.

Could you please tell me the alternatives I have given above are correct or not?

Thanks.

"Whether" and "if" are not always interchangeable. In general they are both possible when the issue is a yes or no issue. When the issue is a choice between two options, only "whether" is acceptable.

In your 1st set, 1 is correct and 1 a is correct. Your 1 b doesn't work for me.
In your second set (if you change "known" to "unknown") you could use either word, but I prefer "whether".

See more information here: Grammar Girl : If Versus Whether :: Quick and Dirty Tips ?
More here: The difference between whether and if (grammar lesson)