discriminate whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discriminate whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to distinguish between two or more options. For example: We need to discriminate whether we invest in stocks or bonds.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Fisher's discriminant function was used to discriminate whether there is a significant hydrochemical difference and hydraulic connections between SW, SG and DG.

Applied Water Science

In these studies, a heartbeat discrimination paradigm was selected: participants had to discriminate whether their heartbeats synchronized with either auditory or visual cues [ 10].

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Terrorists do not discriminate; whether you are Muslim or not, they will kill.

Independent

It is therefore not unlawful to discriminate, whether directly or indirectly, on the grounds of age when you let, sell or otherwise dispose of, premises.

The Guardian - Opinion

The participants were asked to discriminate whether the person was facing to their left or right.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Forgery detection aims to discriminate whether a given image is original or manipulated.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Thus, it is possible to discriminate whether a node rejects connection due to lack of resources or to resource malfunction.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The aim of the article is to discriminate whether it is MIMO radar by the number of orthogonal waveforms.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

For the first set of stimuli (pointing), participants were asked to discriminate whether a person's arm was pointing left or right (see Fig. 2).

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

We aimed to test whether a simple method could automatically discriminate whether an accelerometer was worn on the hip or wrist from free-living data.

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport

Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA) allows for noninvasive identification of anatomic coronary artery disease (CAD) severity but does not discriminate whether a stenosis causes ischemia.

Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discriminate whether", ensure that the context provides a clear basis for the distinction you are trying to make.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "discriminate whether" may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "tell if" or "decide if" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discriminate whether" functions as a connector introducing an indirect question. It sets up a scenario where a distinction or differentiation needs to be made between two or more possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

88%

News & Media

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discriminate whether" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, particularly within scientific and formal contexts. It serves to introduce a question or condition requiring discernment between different possibilities. Ludwig AI validates its appropriate usage. While highly suitable for technical writing, be mindful of its formality in casual conversation and consider simpler alternatives like "determine if" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differentiate whether

Focuses on identifying the differences between two or more things.

distinguish if

Similar to "discriminate", but uses "if" instead of "whether".

identify if

Highlights the act of recognizing a particular thing or condition.

determine if

Replaces "discriminate" with a more general term, focusing on establishing a condition.

decide whether

Implies a judgment or conclusion is being made between options.

ascertain whether

Formally inquires about the truth or accuracy of something.

establish if

Focuses on proving or demonstrating the existence of a fact or condition.

assess if

Focuses on evaluating a situation to determine a condition.

verify if

Emphasizes checking or confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

tell if

Uses a more informal term for distinguishing or recognizing.

FAQs

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

Use "discriminate whether" when you need to determine the difference between two or more possibilities. For example, "Researchers aimed to discriminate whether the new drug was more effective than the existing treatment".

What are some alternatives to "discriminate whether"?

You can use alternatives like "determine if", "ascertain whether", or "distinguish if" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it always necessary to use "whether" after "discriminate"?

Yes, when using "discriminate" to express a choice between two possibilities, it should be followed by "whether". Using "if" instead of "whether" can alter the meaning or make the sentence grammatically incorrect.

What is the difference between "differentiate whether" and "discriminate whether"?

"Differentiate whether" emphasizes identifying differences, while "discriminate whether" emphasizes making a clear distinction or choice. The terms are often interchangeable, but "differentiate" is more focused on the process of distinguishing.