ask you whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask you whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to inquire about someone's opinion or decision regarding a specific matter. Example: "I would like to ask you whether you are available for the meeting next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did anyone ask you whether you wanted one?

Independent

"So I ask you whether or not this is necessary".

The New York Times

THE TRIBUNAL (Mr. Biddle): I did not ask you whether it was talked about.

Yale University

"I'm not going to ask you whether you have either tried the drug or horse-ridden.

The Guardian

Could I ask you whether that is now the policy of the British government?

The New York Times

"I hope you're not offended, ma'am, if I ask you whether you've made money from songwriting at all.

The New York Times

I wanted to ask you whether first lines or opening phrases ever come to you in a flash.

The New Yorker

But you ask them can you change Zamalek, they'd say 'No!' And if you see a policeman, they won't ask you whether you are Muslim or a Christian, they'll ask you whether you are Ahly or Zamalek.

The Guardian - Sport

[Turning to the defendant.] I ask you whether you recognize that this document establishes the fact that you requested troop units?

Yale University

When you first install the app, it will ask you whether or not you want to automatically store your photos on OneDrive.

The Guardian - Tech

And I ask you whether you recall the title of that P.D.B. A. I believe the title was Bin Laden Determined To Attack Inside the United States.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ask you whether", ensure that the context requires a binary (yes/no) or choice-based answer. For more open-ended inquiries, consider using "ask you about" or "ask you to explain".

Common error

Avoid using "ask you whether" when an open-ended response is expected. It's more appropriate to use phrases like "ask you about" or "ask you to describe" when seeking detailed information.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ask you whether" is to introduce an indirect question. It serves as a polite and formal way to inquire about something, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

35%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask you whether" is a versatile phrase used to introduce indirect questions, particularly those requiring a binary or limited-choice response. Ludwig's analysis shows that it is grammatically correct, very common, and applicable across a range of contexts from news and media to academic writing. Its register leans towards neutral to formal, making it suitable for professional communication. When using this phrase, ensure that it aligns with the type of answer you're seeking, and consider alternatives like "inquire if you" for subtle variations in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inquire if you

Replaces "ask" with the more formal "inquire", altering the tone slightly.

question you regarding

Substitutes "ask you whether" with a more direct and formal phrasing, focusing on the act of questioning about a specific topic.

would like to know if you

Expresses a desire to know information, softening the directness of the question.

can I check with you if

This phrase introduces an element of seeking confirmation or verification.

could you tell me if

This phrase introduces politeness by using 'could' instead of 'can'.

may I ask you if

Replaces 'ask' with 'may I ask', giving the sentence a more polite or formal tone.

I am wondering whether you

Replaces "ask you whether" with an expression of curiosity, making the inquiry less direct.

I'd like to determine whether you

Replaces "ask you whether" with a more formal expression, emphasizing the desire to ascertain something.

want to know from you whether

This phrase emphasizes the desire to gain information directly from the person being addressed.

seek your input regarding

This alternative frames the request as seeking input or feedback on a matter.

FAQs

How can I use "ask you whether" in a sentence?

Use "ask you whether" when you want to inquire about a specific condition or choice. For example, "I want to ask you whether you've completed the assignment".

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

You can use alternatives like "inquire if you", "want to know if you", or "would like to know if you" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "ask you whether" or "ask you if"?

Both "ask you whether" and "ask you if" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Ask you whether" is sometimes perceived as slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "ask you whether" and "ask you about"?

"Ask you whether" implies a yes/no or choice-based question, while "ask you about" suggests a more open-ended inquiry. For example, "I'll ask you whether you're going" vs. "I'll ask you about your plans".