Whether or not: alternatives and uncertainty

The idea

Use whether to introduce alternatives. Add or not immediately after it or at the end of the clause. For an outcome independent of the condition, use whether ... or not. Use whether before an infinitive or after a preposition.

Examples

• I don’t know whether or not the museum is open.
• Mina asked whether the train stops here or not.
• Whether or not it rains, we will plant the trees.
• The chef is deciding whether to add more lemon.
• It depends on whether the bridge is safe.
• We will send the invitation whether you can come or not.

Watch out

Do not use if in the sense of “regardless of whether” with or not. In indirect questions, if can often replace whether, but not before an infinitive or directly after a preposition.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct option. I wonder ___ the shop is closed. (whether / because)

   Show answer or example answer

   whether

   whether introduces the unresolved question about the shop.

2. Choose the correct option. We will leave ___ it snows or not. (whether / if)

   Show answer or example answer

   whether

   whether presents both weather possibilities without changing the departure.

3. Choose the correct option. They discussed whether ___ a taxi. (to take / take)

   Show answer or example answer

   to take

   to take is an infinitive following whether.

Use it today

Write one sentence about uncertainty and one about an action that will happen in either case.