checking whether

USAGE SUMMARY

"checking whether" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to introduce a statement about verifying something or making sure of something. Here is an example: "I am checking whether I turned off the stove before leaving the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After checking whether the email was a spoof, he accepted.

University of California, Berkeley

Its lawyers are checking whether the arrangement breaches the contract.

The Economist

Inevitably, they spread information without checking whether it's true.

The Washington Post

The problems of checking whether a 2CNF formula has a unique i.e.s. and checking whether a clause in is all its i.e.s.'s are polynomial.

Artificial Intelligence

The computational complexity of checking whether a fair assignment exists is studied for these fairness notions.

Artificial Intelligence

Have you tried checking whether the companies that violate their policies are certified by TRUSTe?

Stanford University

Checking whether a 2CNF formula has an i.e.s. of a given size and checking whether a clause is in some i.e.s.'s of a 2CNF formula are polynomial or NP-complete depending on whether the formula is cyclic.

Artificial Intelligence

So, we have a very fast way of checking whether two vectors are perpendicular.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Checking whether the focus region has to be updated can also be done in poly time.

Princeton University

All the medical authorities suggested checking whether a hospital is a magnet facility.

The New York Times

I'm sure I wasn't alone in immediately checking whether Bob was pulling our legs.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "checking whether", clearly state the criteria or conditions being evaluated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "checking whether" without specifying what exactly is being checked. Ensure the condition or criteria are explicitly mentioned to provide context and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "checking whether" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a dependent clause that specifies a condition or possibility being examined. It connects this clause to an independent clause, forming a complex sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "checking whether" is a versatile and grammatically sound conjunction used to introduce conditions or verifications. As Ludwig AI points out, it is indeed correct and usable in English. Its prevalence across news, science, and academic domains highlights its adaptability and usefulness in various communication scenarios. Understanding its function and communicative purpose can enhance clarity and precision in writing. Remember to clearly state the condition being verified when using "checking whether" to avoid ambiguity. With a neutral register and very common frequency, this phrase is a valuable asset in any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verifying if

Focuses on the act of confirming the truth or accuracy of something, similar to "checking whether" but emphasizes validation.

ascertaining whether

Implies a more formal or thorough investigation to determine something, adding a layer of detail compared to "checking whether".

confirming if

Highlights the act of establishing certainty about something, similar to verifying but can be used in less formal contexts than "ascertaining whether".

determining if

Focuses on the process of making a decision or conclusion after considering available information, less about verification and more about decision-making.

investigating if

Suggests a detailed inquiry or examination to discover and examine the facts of an incident, allegation, etc to establish whether is true.

seeing if

Is a more informal and straightforward substitute, suitable for casual contexts where detailed verification is not required.

finding out whether

Emphasizes the process of discovering or learning something, suitable when the outcome is genuinely unknown.

making sure if

Emphasizes ensuring accuracy or correctness, suitable when the primary goal is to avoid errors or mistakes.

examining if

Implies a closer, more detailed look at something to see if a condition is met.

assessing if

Indicates a careful evaluation or judgment of something, useful when the situation requires a more considered approach.

FAQs

How can I use "checking whether" in a sentence?

You can use "checking whether" to introduce a clause that expresses a condition or verification, such as "I am checking whether the door is locked" or "The scientist is checking whether the hypothesis holds true".

What are some alternatives to "checking whether"?

Alternatives include "verifying if", "ascertaining whether", or "determining if", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it more formal to say "ascertaining whether" instead of "checking whether"?

Yes, "ascertaining whether" is generally considered more formal and implies a more thorough or official investigation than "checking whether", which is more neutral.

What is the difference between "checking whether" and "seeing if"?

"Checking whether" implies a deliberate act of verification, while "seeing if" is more informal and suggests a casual observation to determine something.