discussion of whether

USAGE SUMMARY

"discussion of whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a discussion surrounding a particular matter or question. For example, "There was a lengthy discussion of whether or not to hire a new manager."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Discussion of whether death is under-rated.

The New Yorker

No discussion of whether employee health benefits should be taxed.

The New York Times

Discussion of whether or not to have a revival.

Cornell University

That has prompted discussion of whether al-Qaida has made inroads into Gaza.

The Guardian - Opinion

His talk, at the SVA Theatre in Chelsea, was a discussion of whether talent truly exists.

The New Yorker

And within that is the discussion of whether he was an artist.

The Guardian - Music

But he played down discussion of whether he would call for drastic changes at those agencies.

The New York Times

Discussion of whether or not to grant amnesty to war resisters had begun.

The New Yorker

A serious discussion of whether lust — Lydia's lust — was a vice or virtue ensued.

The New York Times - Magazine

She is thin, but there is no discussion of whether she too is infected.

The New York Times

Sir John has squashed any internal discussion of whether it is sustainable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "discussion of whether", ensure that the context clearly presents two or more alternative possibilities or perspectives that are being considered.

Common error

Avoid using "discussion of whether" when presenting a statement as a confirmed fact. This phrase introduces uncertainty and is inappropriate for conveying definitive information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discussion of whether" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a topic of debate, inquiry, or deliberation. As seen in Ludwig, it sets the stage for exploring different perspectives and potential outcomes. This construction is frequently used to frame questions or uncertainties that require examination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discussion of whether" is a versatile phrase used to introduce topics of debate, inquiry, or deliberation. As highlighted by Ludwig, it functions as a prepositional phrase that signals the exploration of different perspectives and potential outcomes. The phrase is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in news media, academic texts, and scientific publications. Its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for a variety of contexts, and considering alternative phrases like "debate on whether" or "consideration of whether" can help refine the nuance of your writing. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of "discussion of whether" in written English, reinforcing its status as a reliable and effective construction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discourse on whether

Replaces "discussion" with "discourse", implying a more formal and structured conversation.

deliberation on whether

Substitutes "discussion" with "deliberation", suggesting careful and lengthy consideration.

consideration of whether

Replaces "discussion" with "consideration", implying a thoughtful review of the question.

thinking about whether

Uses "thinking about" instead of "discussion", focusing on internal thought processes rather than external conversation.

scrutiny of whether

Replaces "discussion" with "scrutiny", implying a critical and detailed examination.

reflection on whether

Substitutes "discussion" with "reflection", suggesting a thoughtful consideration of the topic.

controversy about whether

Replaces "discussion" with "controversy", emphasizing disagreement and debate.

examination of whether

Substitutes "discussion" with "examination", suggesting a formal or investigative process.

debate on whether

Uses "debate" instead of "discussion", focusing on a formal argument with opposing viewpoints.

inquiry into whether

Changes "discussion" to "inquiry", suggesting a formal investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "discussion of whether" in a sentence?

You can use "discussion of whether" to introduce a question or topic that is being debated or considered. For example, "There was a heated discussion of whether or not the company should invest in new technology."

What are some alternatives to "discussion of whether"?

Alternatives include "debate on whether", "consideration of whether", or "inquiry into whether", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a discussion about whether" instead of "discussion of whether"?

While "a discussion about whether" is also grammatically correct and frequently used, "discussion of whether" is often perceived as slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "discussion of whether" and "analysis of whether"?

"Discussion of whether" implies a conversational or deliberative process, while "analysis of whether" suggests a more structured and systematic examination. The former is more informal, while the latter relies on a concrete investigation.