ask him whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask him whether" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is commonly used as a polite way of enquiring about something, when asking for a yes or no answer. For example, "I am not sure if he is coming to the party, please ask him whether he is attending or not."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I ask him whether he senses that intimidatory factor.

Independent

I ask him whether he knows what today is.

The Guardian

I ask him whether he's just moved in.

The Guardian

I ask him whether he and Jill wanted children.

The Guardian

Heheheheheheh!" I ask him whether he is an optimist.

The Guardian - Film

I ask him whether that moment struck a chord.

The Guardian - Film

I ask him whether he's pleased she did.

The Guardian

I ask him whether he wanted to say something about men.

Independent

There was no time to be distressed".I ask him whether workers wanted to leave.

The Economist

I ask him whether he took the opportunity to have a go at him for Iraq.

Independent

I ask him whether he became more empathetic after being abused on the terraces.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required by the context when choosing alternatives to "ask him whether", opting for more formal or informal phrasing as needed.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect verb tenses with "ask him whether". For example, instead of "I will ask him whether did he go", use "I will ask him whether he went."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask him whether" functions as an indirect interrogative clause, introducing a question that is being reported or requested. It allows the speaker to inquire about something without directly posing the question, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ask him whether" is a common and grammatically correct construction used to introduce an indirect question. According to Ludwig, it serves to seek information or clarification, often appearing in neutral registers such as News & Media. While alternatives like "inquire if he" or "question him whether" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of formality and directness. Remember to maintain correct tense usage and ensure clarity in the context to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides numerous examples across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can you ask him if

Adds a polite request to the asking.

would you mind asking him whether

A very polite and indirect way of requesting information.

inquire if he

More formal alternative focusing on making an inquiry.

ascertain if he

A more formal way of saying to make sure of something.

determine whether he

Emphasizes the need to establish something definitively.

question him whether

Replaces "ask" with "question", suggesting a more direct interrogation.

find out if he

Focuses on the act of discovering information.

get confirmation from him if

Focuses on obtaining confirmation.

check if he

More informal and direct alternative indicating a simple verification.

probe him on whether

Suggests a thorough investigation to reveal information.

FAQs

How do I use "ask him whether" in a sentence?

Use "ask him whether" to introduce an indirect question. For example, "I need to ask him whether he can attend the meeting".

What can I say instead of "ask him whether"?

You can use alternatives like "inquire if he", "question him whether", or "check if he" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "ask to him whether" instead of "ask him whether"?

No, "ask to him whether" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "ask him whether".

What's the difference between "ask him whether" and "ask him if"?

While both are generally interchangeable, "ask him whether" is often preferred when there are two or more explicit possibilities, whereas "ask him if" is used for yes/no questions. For example, "Ask him whether he prefers coffee or tea" versus "Ask him if he likes coffee".