whether or not
whether or not — idiom
1. used to say that an action, duty, or scheduled event continues or is carried out
used to say that an action, duty, or scheduled event continues or is carried out even when a particular condition or situation does not apply.
The Watanabe family went ahead with the picnic whether or not it rained that afternoon.
whether or not + clause (condition has no effect)
The librarian said the book must be returned by Friday whether or not the borrower has finished it.
Runners must show their race number whether or not they completed the full course.
obligation + whether or not: 'must' shows no exception
The children must wear their school uniform whether or not the weather is hot.
obligation: 'must' + whether or not for required action
- regardless of whether
more formal; interchangeable in most contexts
- no matter if
more informal, common in everyday speech
Common Mistakes
2. used when you are not sure about something and want to ask or find out if a part
used when you are not sure about something and want to ask or find out if a particular statement or fact is true or not.
The nurse asked the doctor whether or not the patient needed to stay overnight.
whether or not after verbs like 'ask', 'wonder', 'know'
No one at the office could tell us whether or not the meeting had been cancelled.
Do you know whether or not the train to Taipei has left the station yet?
direct question with 'Do you know whether or not'
The couple wondered whether or not the restaurant was still open at that late hour.
- if
less formal; can replace 'whether or not' in questions but not always in formal writing
Common Mistakes
3. used when discussing or asking about which of two options or actions is preferab
used when discussing or asking about which of two options or actions is preferable or more suitable in a given situation.
The young couple debated whether or not to adopt a puppy from the local shelter.
whether or not + to-infinitive for discussing options
My roommate could not decide whether or not to accept the job offer in another city.
The committee is still discussing whether or not to raise the membership fee next year.
passive: 'is discussing whether or not to'
We need to think carefully about whether or not to sell the old house.
- whether
the 'or not' can be dropped when the choice is implied; 'whether to go' = 'whether or not to go'
4. used to state a personal belief, judgment, or evaluation that remains valid no m
used to state a personal belief, judgment, or evaluation that remains valid no matter what other circumstances may be.
Whether or not the film wins any awards, the director's work is still worth watching.
whether or not + evaluation clause: personal judgment holds regardless
Whether or not you like spicy food, you should try this dish at least once.
Whether or not you win the race, you should feel proud of your training.
encouragement structure: 'whether or not you X, you should Y'
The chef said the dish would taste great whether or not we added extra salt.
- anyway
more conversational; conveys the same idea of an opinion holding regardless
- all the same
slightly more formal; emphasizes that the judgment is unaffected by counter-arguments