In the next sentence, which is correct, whether or if? Please explain why is that?

I see this situation as very similar to the question of whether/if  I should insure my home against fire.

Thanks. ^^

Hi,

I see this situation as very similar to the question of whether/if  I should insure my home against fire.

With regard to this specific sentence, the/a question of  is an idiomatic phrase that does not work with 'if'. Say the question of whether.

Or, you could say the question of home insurance against fire, where the need for choice is implied but not stated.

Best wishes, Clive

CalifJim wrote:

The combination of if is not used, nor the combination of any preposition followed by if. CJ

One has to be careful saying that. It is used in situations like this one:

"they can be disposed of if they become..."

And the "of if" combination is used in place of "of whether" by quite a few speakers - even though we may not like it.

"It's not a question of if he's sacked but when. Coaching is his big strength and..."

Warhammer armies: the Empire. Nottingham: Games Workshop, 1993, pp. 4-76.

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"It wasn't a matter of if they would return; it was merely a question of when."

Heathen. Hutson, Shaun. London: Warner Books, 1993, pp. 132-321.

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"It's really a case of if you've got it, make sure everybody knows you've got it...

Environmental Issues. u.p., n.d., pp. ??.