i asked whether

USAGE SUMMARY

"I asked whether" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a direct question, such as: "I asked whether he was coming to the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I asked whether her husband was innocent.

The New Yorker

I asked whether his smuggler had called.

The New York Times - Magazine

I asked whether he had any allergies.

The New Yorker

I asked whether he directs the photographers.

The New Yorker

I asked whether children ever got burned.

The New Yorker

I asked whether we should go looking.

The New Yorker

I asked whether her thinking had changed.

The New Yorker

I asked whether our intelligence has improved.

The Washington Post

I asked whether they might be playing.

The New York Times - Science

I asked whether he felt any remorse.

The New Yorker

I asked  whether he was haunted by his past.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I asked whether" to introduce indirect questions, providing context without directly quoting the original question. This helps maintain a smooth narrative flow.

Common error

While "if" can sometimes replace "whether", it's best to use "whether" when presenting two clear alternatives. Using "if" can sometimes create ambiguity, especially in formal writing. For example, instead of saying "I asked if he would come", consider using "I asked "whether" he would come or not".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I asked whether" functions as an interrogative clause initiator, introducing an indirect question. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this structure reports an inquiry without directly quoting the original question. Examples in Ludwig show its utility in relaying information within a narrative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I asked whether" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction to introduce indirect questions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it smoothly integrates inquiries into a narrative, reporting the content of a question without direct quotation. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for clear and concise communication. While "if" can sometimes substitute, "whether" is preferred when presenting distinct alternatives. Remember to use "I asked whether" to effectively convey reported questions, ensuring clarity and maintaining a formal tone when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I inquired if

Replaces "asked whether" with a more formal verb "inquired" and uses "if" instead of "whether".

I enquired whether

A formal alternative, similar to "I inquired if", but retaining "whether".

I questioned whether

Substitutes "asked" with "questioned", implying a more critical or investigative inquiry.

I wanted to know if

Uses a more descriptive and less direct approach, indicating a desire for information.

I posed the question whether

Adds emphasis to the act of asking the question.

I investigated if

Implies a thorough examination or fact-finding to answer the question.

I sought confirmation whether

Indicates a formal attempt to verify something.

I checked if

Suggests a simple verification or confirmation was sought.

I probed if

Implies a deeper, more investigative style of questioning.

I was curious if

Expresses the question as arising from curiosity.

FAQs

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

Use "I asked whether" to introduce an indirect question, reporting what you inquired about without directly quoting the speaker. For example, "I asked "whether" they planned to attend the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "I asked whether"?

You can use alternatives such as "I inquired if", "I wanted to know if", or "I questioned "whether"" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to use "if" instead of "whether" after "I asked"?

While "if" can sometimes substitute "whether", it is generally more precise to use ""whether"" when presenting alternatives or possibilities. "If" is more suitable for conditional clauses.

What's the difference between "I asked whether" and "I asked if"?

While both can introduce indirect questions, "I asked "whether"" is typically used when there are two or more possibilities or alternatives. "I asked if" is more commonly used for yes/no questions or conditional situations.