determine whether or not

USAGE SUMMARY

"Determine whether or not" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of determining if something is true or not. For example: "We have to determine whether or not the rumors about their divorce are true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Some of the things I picked up could determine whether or not I argue a call".

The New York Times

If someone presents an idea to me, I can determine whether or not it will work.

The New York Times

We cannot determine whether or not a movie will be played in movie theaters," said Lynton.

The Guardian - Film

It may require a congressional subpoena to determine whether or not she received any injections.

The New Yorker

MR. BUSH -- Tomorrow is the day that we will determine whether or not diplomacy can work.

The New York Times

Ballistic evidence allows police to determine whether or not bullets come from the same gun.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test was utilized to determine whether or not the data is normal.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Imputation techniques require some diagnostics to help determine whether or not the imputations are reasonable.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Specifically, the characteristics of the input vectors determine whether or not a unique solution exists.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Determine whether or not your steak is done.

WikiHow

Determine whether or not someone is minding your business.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "determine whether or not", ensure the context requires a genuine evaluation or decision between two possibilities. Avoid using it when a simpler question suffices.

Common error

Sometimes, "whether" alone is sufficient. Using "determine whether" instead of "determine whether or not" can make your writing more concise without losing meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determine whether or not" serves as a connector introducing a dependent clause that presents a condition to be evaluated. Ludwig examples show its function in scenarios requiring a decision or assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "determine whether or not" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to introduce an evaluation or assessment of a condition or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across varied contexts, with a slightly higher prevalence in "News & Media" and "Science". While the phrase is acceptable, it's often more concise to use "determine whether" without losing meaning. Alternatives such as "decide whether" or "ascertain if" can enhance writing clarity. When using "determine whether or not", ensure a genuine evaluation is required, and avoid unnecessary redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decide whether

This alternative simplifies the phrase by removing "or not", implying a binary choice.

ascertain if

This alternative is more concise, replacing "determine whether or not" with a simpler inquiry about a condition.

establish if

This alternative focuses on confirming the truth or existence of something, rather than simply deciding.

assess whether

This alternative puts more weight in judging a characteristic, quality, or ability of the subject of the question.

evaluate if

This alternative emphasizes the assessment or judgment aspect of the situation.

figure out whether

This alternative suggests solving a problem or understanding a situation to make a determination.

confirm or deny

This alternative focuses on two opposite actions: validating and invalidating, and is usually used when the subject of the question is not known or uncertain.

investigate whether

This alternative implies a more thorough examination to reach a decision.

find out if

This alternative focuses on discovering information to inform a decision.

check if

This alternative offers a simpler, more direct way to inquire about a condition.

FAQs

How can I use "determine whether or not" in a sentence?

Use "determine whether or not" when you need to evaluate if something is true or not, such as, "Scientists are trying to determine whether or not the new drug is effective".

What's a shorter way to say "determine whether or not"?

You can often use "decide whether", "ascertain if", or simply "determine if" to make your writing more concise.

Is it grammatically incorrect to use "determine whether" instead of "determine whether or not"?

No, using "determine whether" is grammatically correct and often preferred for its conciseness. The phrase "determine whether or not" is also correct but can sometimes be redundant.

When is it best to use "determine whether or not" versus "determine whether"?

Use "determine whether or not" when you want to emphasize that both possibilities (true and false) are being explicitly considered. However, "determine whether" is generally suitable and more concise in most situations.