"whether" vs "Whether or not"

Question

"whether" vs "Whether or not"

Both 'whether' and 'whether or not' are correct, but 'whether' is more commonly used in everyday English. 'Whether or not' is used when emphasizing the presence of a choice or possibility, while 'whether' alone is used in more formal contexts.

Last Updated: March 31, 2024

Use 'whether' to introduce a choice between alternatives or possibilities.

Examples:

I don't know whether I should go to the party.
She asked whether he wanted tea or coffee.
He will decide whether to accept the job offer.

Alternatives:

if
in case
whether or not

Use 'whether or not' to emphasize the presence of a choice or possibility.

Examples:

I will go to the concert, whether or not you come with me.
She needs to decide whether or not to move to a new city.
He is unsure whether or not he should invest in the stock market.

Alternatives:

whether
if
in case

Answer 1

whether

The word 'whether' is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

Whether or not

'Whether or not' is correct but less commonly used in everyday English.

"whether" vs "Whether or not"

whether

Whether or not

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