disagree about whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disagree about whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing differing opinions or perspectives on a specific issue or topic. Example: "The committee members often disagree about whether the new policy will benefit the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Doctors disagree about whether further tests would have changed anything.

The New York Times

Surgeons disagree about whether to use the more extreme operations.

The New York Times

Experts disagree about whether the group is still dangerous.

The New York Times

People disagree about whether a plant or animal engineered using CRISPR should be considered a GMO.

Cornell University

They disagree about whether this increase would be good for America, its firms or its workers.

The Economist

The Torreses disagree about whether the city has ever apologized to them.

The New Yorker

Reasonable people can disagree about whether and how much the government should redistribute income.

The New York Times

Reasonable people can disagree about whether its benefits outweigh the risks.

The Economist

Political leaders have condemned the police violence, but disagree about whether the elections should be postponed.

The Economist

Sunnis and Shiites disagree about whether the prophet's companions or relatives were his rightful successors.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Economists disagree about whether GDP growth registered in the third quarter of 2002 will be sustained.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add nuance, consider alternative phrases like "differ on whether" or "dispute whether" to convey different shades of meaning.

Common error

A common mistake is using "that" instead of "whether" after "disagree". "Whether" is necessary to introduce an alternative, indicating uncertainty or a choice between possibilities. Incorrect: "They disagree about that the policy is effective." Correct: "They disagree about whether the policy is effective."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disagree about whether" functions as a connector to introduce a clause expressing a point of contention or differing opinions. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound. It highlights the presence of multiple viewpoints regarding a specific issue, as seen in examples like, "Doctors disagree about whether further tests would have changed anything."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disagree about whether" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to introduce a point of contention or differing opinions. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is effective across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While maintaining a neutral register, it serves to highlight the presence of multiple perspectives on a particular issue. Common errors include using "that" instead of "whether", which changes the meaning and grammatical structure. For more nuanced expression, consider alternatives like "differ on whether" or "dispute whether". As proven by Ludwig, mastering the use of "disagree about whether" enhances clarity and precision in expressing diverse viewpoints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differ on whether

Changes the preposition from "about" to "on", slightly altering the emphasis.

differ as to whether

Replaces "about" with "as to", adding a slightly more formal tone.

dispute whether

Removes "about", creating a more direct and concise expression of disagreement.

debate whether

Suggests a more formal and structured disagreement, often involving reasoned arguments.

argue about whether

Implies a potentially heated disagreement or discussion.

hold opposing views on whether

Emphasizes the existence of contrasting perspectives.

have conflicting opinions on whether

Highlights the presence of opinions that are not in harmony.

are at odds regarding whether

Indicates a fundamental disagreement or incompatibility.

fail to agree on whether

Focuses on the lack of consensus or agreement.

part ways on the question of whether

Suggests a significant divergence in opinion, potentially leading to separation or division.

FAQs

How can I use "disagree about whether" in a sentence?

Use "disagree about whether" to indicate that different parties have opposing opinions regarding a particular situation or outcome. For instance, "Experts disagree about whether the new treatment is effective."

What are some alternatives to "disagree about whether"?

You can use alternatives such as "differ on whether", "dispute whether", or "argue about whether", depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it grammatically correct to say "disagree on whether" instead of "disagree about whether"?

Both "disagree on whether" and "disagree about whether" are grammatically correct, but "disagree on whether" is often considered more concise and slightly more formal. You can also use "differ on whether" as a good alternative.

What's the difference between "disagree about whether" and "disagree that"?

"Disagree about whether" introduces uncertainty or a choice between possibilities. "Disagree that" expresses disagreement with a statement of fact. For example, "They disagree about whether the project will succeed" implies uncertainty, while "They disagree that the project is well-managed" expresses opposition to a claim.