Stuart's Daily Word Spot: Whether or if?

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Whether or if?
These two conjunctions are more or lessinterchangeable. However, 'whether' is generally used in more formal writing.And 'if' gives a better idea that possibility or probability is involved withthe alternatives on offer.
So:
'Whether you vote Labour or Conservative willmake no difference to your life: both parties will screw you unless you're partof the club.'

'If you vote Labour, you can feel that you'vetried to be socially responsible, but if you vote Conservative, you'll have to acceptyou've displayed no social conscience. Of course, the reality is that neithervote will improve matters for you, unless you belong to the small group makingthe decisions.' 


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