whether it be vs whether it is

Both 'whether it be' and 'whether it is' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Whether it be' is more formal and is often used in formal writing or speeches. 'Whether it is' is more commonly used in everyday language.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1100 views

whether it be

This phrase is correct but is more formal and less commonly used in everyday language.

This phrase is used to express a hypothetical situation or a choice. It is often found in formal writing or speeches.

Examples:

I will support you whether it be rain or shine.
Whether it be right or wrong, we must make a decision.
He will attend the meeting whether it be in person or online.

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The armor is designed to be impervious to all outside elements, whether it be artillery or temperature.
Now the brain-computer interface is the key to new possibilities, whether it be robotic prosthetics... For quadriplegics like Mickey...
We have a particular responsibility in all sorts of relations with countries that are not democracies, whether it be in relation to aid or trade.
But even in their own organisations, whether it be job centres or trade unions, they do not always receive the attention they really deserve.
Whatever you ask of me, Ryu, whether it be based on truth or lies, I would do it.
From my experiences there, I now believe that the uncontrolled movement of people in global terms over the next 20 to 30 years, whether it be based on economic issues or climatic issues, represents a massive challenge to good order and democracy.
He knows the human heart so well, whether it be male or female.
Corruption is a widespread problem affecting every sector of our society, whether it be the economy, trade unions or the administration.
Obviously my colleagues have mentioned many of the challenges that face us, whether it be climate change, the development goals or whatever else.
It would be absurd, incoherent and contradictory to adopt a conclusive solution in this directive, whether it be opt-in or opt-out, just a year later.
My services have been instructed to cooperate with Parliament in an open and constructive manner, whether it be tourism or any other area.
Others are competing to fill in gaps we create, whether it be energy cooperation, business support, digital agenda objectives, etc.
Anything which brings about change is a little frightening, whether it be EMU, the euro, environmentalism or a bridge.
We look at the different tax regimes in the Member States, whether it be indirect taxation or direct taxation - all are used as barriers to trade.
Our concepts and actions should aim to give everyone an opportunity, regardless of what country they come from, whether it be the 15 old Member States or the 12 new Members.
I will name them: whether it be Germany, or France, we will support you.
While Ireland has generally benefited from European funding, there are pockets of that country that are disadvantaged, whether it be the North-West, the West or indeed the border counties.
The currently punitive interest rates to which Greece is subject are, in fact, preventing its private economy from undertaking any investments, whether it be in the production process or in real estate.
A number of my studies have shown that when you give people 10 or more options when they're making a choice, they make poorer decisions, whether it be health care, investment, other critical areas.
Far too much regular fraud and deception is still taking place, and, when it is revealed by an honest public servant - whether it be Dorte Schmidt-Brown or Marta Andreasen - the person in question is dismissed and often has their name dragged through the mud.

Alternatives:

whether it is
whether it will be
whether it may be
whether it could be
whether it should be

whether it is

This phrase is commonly used in everyday language to express a hypothetical situation or a choice.

This phrase is used to express a hypothetical situation or a choice in everyday language.