in relation to whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in relation to whether" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing an issue with multiple perspectives, and want to draw attention to the issue of determining what is true or deciding between possible options. Example: The debate continues in relation to whether raising the minimum wage will stimulate the economy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Electoral Commission has referred Mr Grimes and Mr Halsall to the Metropolitan Police in relation to false declarations of campaign spending, and handed over files "in relation to whether any persons have committed related offences" that fall outside the watchdog's remit.

BBC

A News International spokesperson said the company was making no comment in relation to whether the Sun's topless Page 3 could be for the axe.

The Guardian

"If people have queries in relation to whether they are one of the 32 affected, they can contact us on 01983 823516".

The Guardian

"In relation to whether the banks should pass it on, the interest rate cut, the treasurer yesterday said it was a matter for them.

The Guardian

Mode of inheritance of primary structure in relation to whether chloroplast or nuclear DNA contains the code for a chloroplast protein.

Nature

Yet some critics seemed to mark down the quality of the piece in relation to whether it lived up to the enormity of the subject – and indeed some questioned the whole enterprise.

The Guardian - Opinion

The inquiry also recommended the government seek advice in relation to whether improvements are required to the medical treatment options available to asylum seekers and refugees in Nauru and Papua New Guinea – particularly mental health services.

The Guardian

Objectives: To describe the characteristics and outcome of patients hospitalized for acute chest pain in relation to whether they were admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU) or not.

International Journal of Cardiology

This includes in relation to whether they can credibly argue for both stronger community rights and zero deforestation, whether they can expect companies to make expensive policy changes that receive no encouragement or the kind of market reward that would ensure economic sustainability of the business, and how they can better approach the massive issues linked to weak governance and corruption.

The Guardian

One only has to look at the way in which parliament has been misled on this – first, in relation to whether or not Diego Garcia was used to enable rendition, and second, the admission from Defence Secretary Hutton that British forces were involved in the rendition of prisoners from Afghanistan to Iraq.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is a key inquiry in relation to whether or not there will be a Beagle 3. We need to get this clear". He added that the committee was pressing to receive a full copy of the report, even if it had names blanked out to protect commercial interests.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in relation to whether" to clearly indicate a conditional relationship or dependence between two factors in your writing. This phrase is useful for presenting different perspectives or possibilities based on specific conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "in relation to whether" when the conditional aspect is vague or undefined. Ensure that the conditions are clearly stated to maintain clarity and avoid confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in relation to whether" functions as a connector, introducing a condition or circumstance that influences a subsequent statement or decision. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and used to present multiple perspectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in relation to whether" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed conjunction phrase utilized across diverse contexts, including science, news, and formal communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to introduce a conditional element, indicating that a particular situation or outcome depends on the fulfillment of a specific condition. While considered formal, its versatility makes it suitable for analytical discussions, emphasizing the connection between conditions and outcomes. Be mindful to use it when conditions are clearly defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding whether

Changes the preposition used while maintaining the conditional aspect.

concerning whether

Uses a different preposition to indicate relevance, maintaining the core conditional meaning.

with respect to whether

Adds a level of formality and precision in specifying the conditional aspect.

in connection with whether

Highlights the link or association, reinforcing the conditional connection.

depending on whether

Emphasizes the conditionality, indicating that one thing is contingent on another.

based on whether

Stresses the foundation or basis of the relationship on a conditional.

conditional on whether

Explicitly states the dependency relationship using 'conditional'.

contingent on whether

Highlights the dependency of something happening based on a condition.

subject to whether

Indicates that the outcome is dependent on a specific condition being met.

governed by whether

Suggests that the outcome is controlled or determined by a specific condition.

FAQs

How can I use "in relation to whether" in a sentence?

Use "in relation to whether" to introduce a condition that affects the outcome or perspective of a situation. For example, "The decision will be made in relation to whether sufficient funds are available".

What are some alternatives to "in relation to whether"?

You can use alternatives like "regarding whether", "concerning whether", or "depending on whether" depending on the context.

Is "in relation to whether" formal or informal?

"In relation to whether" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

What's the difference between "in relation to whether" and "in regard to whether"?

While both phrases are similar, "in relation to whether" emphasizes a connection or dependence, whereas "in regard to whether" focuses more on the specific aspect being considered. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.