need to know whether

USAGE SUMMARY

"need to know whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express uncertainty or ask for clarification. For example: "I need to know whether the conference is on Saturday or Sunday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Voters need to know whether Mr. Kerry agrees.

The New York Times

People need to know whether we're going left or right.

The New York Times

Need to know whether Liverpool or Celtic walked alone first?

The Guardian - Sport

You need to know whether you're one of the center four.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We need to know whether bogus charges of resisting arrest are widespread.

The New York Times

We'd need to know whether they were daydreaming about sex, for example.

The New Yorker

"We need to know whether the government has or does not have a majority".

The New Yorker

"The masses need to know whether the decision was correct or not.

Independent

There is also a need to know whether or not metal complexes of these dyes are mutagenic.

Mutation Research-Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis

First, we need to know whether the Tories are going to win big.

The Guardian

"I need to know whether the FA have confidence in me or not".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "need to know whether", ensure that the sentence clearly indicates who needs the information and why it is important. This adds clarity and strengthens the purpose of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "need to know whether" when a simple declarative statement is sufficient. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound hesitant or uncertain when confidence is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to know whether" functions as an introductory phrase to an indirect question, indicating a requirement for information. It is used to express that knowing the answer to the question is necessary or important. Ludwig confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "need to know whether" is a versatile expression used to highlight the importance of acquiring specific information. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It functions as an introduction to an indirect question, emphasizing the necessity of obtaining a clear answer for decision-making or comprehension. While appropriate for various contexts, from news and media to scientific and business writing, it's crucial to ensure its use adds value and clarity, avoiding overuse in simple declarative statements. Consider alternatives like "must ascertain if" or "it's essential to know if" for variety and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's essential to know if

Emphasizes the necessity of knowing something by using "it's essential".

it's crucial to understand if

Focuses on the crucial nature of understanding a particular condition.

must ascertain if

Replaces "need to know" with a more formal verb, "ascertain", emphasizing the importance of finding out.

it's important to find out if

Highlights the importance of discovering information about a condition.

we must clarify if

Replaces "need to know" with "must clarify" to emphasize the action of making something clear or certain.

should determine whether

Uses "should determine" to suggest a strong recommendation for finding out information.

have to determine if

Uses "have to determine" to convey a sense of obligation or requirement.

it's vital to establish whether

Uses "vital" to emphasize the critical importance of establishing a fact or condition.

it is critical to verify if

Emphasizes the criticality of verifying a particular fact or condition.

it is imperative to learn whether

Replaces "need" with "imperative" to stress the urgency and importance of gaining knowledge.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "need to know whether" for variety?

You can use alternatives like "must ascertain if", "it's essential to know if", or "it's crucial to understand if" depending on the context.

When is it most appropriate to use "need to know whether"?

It's best used when expressing a genuine requirement for information before making a decision or taking action. It emphasizes the importance of clarifying a specific condition or fact.

What is the difference between "need to know whether" and "want to know whether"?

"Need to know whether" implies a necessity, suggesting that the information is crucial, while "want to know whether" simply expresses a desire for information without necessarily implying importance.

Is "need to know whether" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider more sophisticated alternatives such as "should determine whether" or "it is imperative to learn whether".