on whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to introduce a clause that expresses doubt or uncertainty about a particular subject. Example: The jury is still debating on whether the defendant is guilty or innocent.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It will depend on whether they improve".

The Guardian

It will all depend on whether due process occurs".

Vice

Life goes on, whether we want it to or not.

Vice

Speculates on whether Pres.

The New Yorker

Likewise, no word on whether that worked.

The New Yorker

— not on whether the report was true.

The New York Times

"Depends on whether he signs with them".

The New York Times - Sports

It depends on whether guests come back".

The New York Times

No word on whether Britten is involved.

The New York Times

"Everything depends on whether these actually sell".

The New York Times

Depends on whether he's guilty or innocent".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on whether", ensure that the main clause clearly indicates the consequence or dependence related to the condition introduced by the "whether" clause.

Common error

Avoid using redundant words like "or not" immediately after the "whether" clause if the context already implies uncertainty. Instead of "It depends on whether he signs with them or not", simply say "It depends on whether he signs with them".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on whether" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It connects a main clause to a condition or uncertainty, indicating that the outcome of the main clause is contingent upon the condition expressed in the subordinate clause. Ludwig AI confirms that "on whether" is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on whether" is a versatile phrase used to express conditionality or dependence. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in English writing. It commonly appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using "on whether", ensure clarity and avoid redundancy to maintain concise and effective communication. Remember that alternative phrases like "depending on if" or "as to whether" can provide nuanced variations for different contexts. This phrase is best used in formal and neutral settings, ensuring clarity and precision in expressing conditions and dependencies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depending on if

Replaces "whether" with "if", maintaining the conditional aspect but potentially sounding less formal.

contingent upon whether

Adds emphasis on the conditional nature, making it more formal.

subject to whether

Highlights the dependence on a specific condition.

based on whether

Focuses on the foundation or reason for something being dependent.

in relation to whether

Indicates a connection or relationship concerning a condition.

with regard to whether

Similar to "in relation to whether", but slightly more formal.

concerning whether

Directly addresses a point of uncertainty or inquiry.

as to whether

A more concise and sometimes more direct alternative, often used in formal contexts.

regarding whether

Very similar to "concerning whether" and "as to whether", indicating the topic being considered.

depending on the condition of

This phrase provides more elaboration by focusing on a specific state or circumstance.

FAQs

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

Use "on whether" to introduce a condition or uncertainty that affects the outcome of a situation. For instance, "The decision hinges "on whether" the evidence is sufficient."

What are some alternatives to using "on whether"?

Alternatives include phrases like "depending on if", "contingent upon whether", or "based on whether", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality or emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to use "on whether"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The construction "on whether" is frequently used to introduce a clause that presents a condition or uncertainty.

What's the difference between "on whether" and "as to whether"?

"On whether" generally indicates dependence, while "as to whether" often introduces a question or point of inquiry. While interchangeable in some contexts, "as to whether" is typically more formal.