whether (or not)
whether (or not) means “Whether introduces an indirect yes/no question and, with 'or not', shows something holds true either way.”. Use whether to embed or report a yes/no question: I don't know whether he'll come. Formation: whether + clause · whether ... or not · whether + to-do
Whether introduces an indirect yes/no question and, with 'or not', shows something holds true either way.
B2Formation
whether + clause · whether ... or not · whether + to-do
Explanation
Use whether to embed or report a yes/no question: I don't know whether he'll come. Unlike if, whether can stand right before 'or not' and before a to-infinitive: whether to stay or leave. 'Whether ... or not' means the outcome is the same either way: Whether you like it or not, the plan stands. After a preposition, choose whether, never if: It depends on whether we have time.
Examples
Note
In careful writing prefer whether over if for indirect questions, and remember that only whether can follow a preposition or introduce a to-infinitive.
FAQ
whether (or not) — what does it mean and how is it used?
Whether introduces an indirect yes/no question and, with 'or not', shows something holds true either way.. Use whether to embed or report a yes/no question: I don't know whether he'll come. Unlike if, whether can stand right before 'or not' and before a to-infinitive: whether to stay or leave. 'Whether ... or not' means the outcome is the same either way: Whether you like it or not, the plan stands. After a preposition, choose whether, never if: It depends on whether we have time.
whether (or not) — how do you form it?
whether + clause · whether ... or not · whether + to-do
whether (or not) — any usage notes?
In careful writing prefer whether over if for indirect questions, and remember that only whether can follow a preposition or introduce a to-infinitive.