the question whether vs the question of whether

Both "the question whether" and "the question of whether" are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "The question whether" is more formal and is used when the question itself is being discussed. On the other hand, "the question of whether" is more common in everyday language and is used when the focus is on the specific issue being questioned.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 1544 views

This phrase is correct but less common in everyday language. It is more formal and is used when discussing the question itself.

"the question whether"

This phrase is used when the focus is on the question itself, rather than the specific issue being questioned. It is more formal in nature.

Examples:

The question whether we should proceed with the project remains unanswered.
I am pondering the question whether I should accept the job offer.

Show examples from the web [+]

Jun 10, 2014 ... it begs the question whether or not A=B. and I feel this is incorrect, but I'm not sure. I think it should be written like this: ... it begs the question of ...
Usage: The question whether should be used rather than the question of whether or the question as to whether: this leaves open the question whether he acted ...
The question whether should be used rather than the question of whether or the question as to whether: this leaves open the question whether he acted correctly ...
The question whether should be used rather than the question of whether or the question as to whether: this leaves open the question whether he acted correctly.

Alternatives:

the issue of whether
the matter of whether
the point of whether
the dilemma of whether
the uncertainty of whether

This phrase is correct and more commonly used in everyday language. It is used when the focus is on the specific issue being questioned.

"the question of whether"

This phrase is used when the focus is on the specific issue being questioned, rather than the question itself. It is more commonly used in everyday language.

Examples:

The question of whether she will attend the meeting is still up in the air.
We need to address the question of whether we can afford to go on vacation.

Show examples from the web [+]

Jun 10, 2014 ... it begs the question of whether or not A=B. Or maybe there that's also incorrect, and there is a better form altogether? Maybe taking out the "or ...
Oct 8, 2010 ... The components that have been extracted are capable of providing the answer to the question of whether or not we are... but. The components ...
Usage: The question whether should be used rather than the question of whether or the question as to whether: this leaves open the question whether he acted ...
Mar 5, 2011 ... The question of whether (or not) to use whether (or not). It can sometimes be confusing when it's better to use whether or when we can use if.

Alternatives:

the issue of whether
the matter of whether
the point of whether
the dilemma of whether
the uncertainty of whether

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the question whether vs the question of whether