whether or not

Meanings

1. 1conjunctionfixed phrase

   Used to say that something is true or will happen in either of two situations, so the choice makes no difference.

   Grammar: Introduces a clause that does not change the main point: Whether or not it rains, we go.

   Patterns

   • whether or not something happens
   • whether something happens or not

   Whether or not you like the plan, we have to start tomorrow.

   I will call you whether or not I hear back from the office.

   The match will go ahead whether the weather is good or not.

2. 2conjunctionfixed phrase

   Used to introduce an indirect question about two possibilities, often with 'decide', 'know' or 'wonder'.

   Grammar: Follows verbs of thinking or asking: I wonder whether or not she knows.

   Patterns

   • decide whether or not to do something
   • wonder whether or not something is true

   We haven't decided whether or not to move to a bigger apartment.

   He asked whether or not the library was open on Sundays.

Common combinations

decide whether or not

You need to decide whether or not to accept the offer.

regardless of whether or not

Regardless of whether or not it works, we should try it.

find out whether or not

She went to find out whether or not the shop was open.

whether you like it or not

Change is coming whether you like it or not.

Synonyms and how they differ

regardless of whether

Stresses that the condition is irrelevant, and is a little more formal.

no matter if

More casual and mostly used to dismiss the condition.

Word family

whether conjunction

introduces a choice between possibilities

Commonly confused: whether or not or weather? whether or not or if?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “whether or not”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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