Reference: Michael Swan's - Practical English Usage (3rd Edition) (Paperback) (1995)


QUESTION FROM OUSMANE

1) What is the difference between 'bind' and 'bond'?

Bind; (past tense is 'bound')

 to tie things together with rope or string: Their hands were bound behind their backs.
 to make two people or groups feel closely connected to each other: The troubles they had shared bound them much  closer together.
 to limit what someone is allowed to do by making them obey a rule or agreement: He is  bound by a contract that prevents him from working with competitors.

Vs

Bond

Bond is used as a noun and as a verb; it works similarly to the second definition of bind, see above.

1) a close special feeling of connection with other people or a group.
- The experience formed a close bond between us.
- He never felt like he bonded with any of the other students.

QUESTIONS FROM EMILE

(1) When do you use 'if' and when do you use 'whether' in a sentence?
Answer:
(1) indirect questions
We can generally use both whether and if to introduce indirect yes/no questions:
          I'm not sure whether/if I'll have time.
        I asked whether/if she had any letters for me.

After some verbs, whether is preferred to if:
            We discussed whether we should close the shop.

In formal writing whether is usually preferred in a two-part question with or:
              Let me know whether you can come or not ...(if you can come or  
             not is possible too.)
           
            The Directors have not decided whether they will recommend a
            dividend or reinvest the profits.

(2) prepositions
After prepositions, only whether is possible.
        There was a big argument about whether we should move to a new house. (NOT ... about if we should move...)
        I haven't settled the question of whether I'll go back home. (NOT... question of if...)

(3) Infinitives
Whether, but not if, is used before to-infinitives.
    They can't decide whether to get married now or wait. (NOT They can't decide if to get married...)

(4) subject, complement and adverbial clauses
        Whether we can stay with my mother is another matter. (subject)

        The question is whether the man can be trusted. (complement)

If is sometimes possible in a very informal style.
    The question is if the man can be trusted.
    Whether you like it or not, I'm staying here.

(2) When do you use 'when' and 'if' in a sentence?

Answer:
A person who says when (referring to the future) is sure that something will happen. A person who says if is unsure whether it will happen or not.
Compare:
I'll speak you on Sunday when we're all at AIMS. ( We are certain to be at AIMS on Sunday.)
I'll see you in August if I come to Cape Town. ( Perhaps I'll come to Cape Town, perhaps not.)

To talk about repeated, predictable situations and events ( in the sense of 'whenever'), both when and if can be used with little difference of meaning.
    When/If you heat ice it turns to water.
    When/If I'm at AIMS I usually study until midnight.


Question 3

What is the difference between 'rephrasing' and 'paraphrasing'?
 Both involve rewriting/expressing something in different words; but paraphrasing involves SHORTENING the material to make it clearer.