question on whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'question on whether' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when asking a question about the possibility of something. For example, "This raises a question on whether tax reform should be considered."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A written questionnaire was drafted in 1996, including one question on whether they have had TB.

BMC Infectious Diseases

The first part is one question on whether CHS workers feel themselves having work passion for current work or not.

BMC Family Practice

Finally, regarding retinoids, there is one recent reference question on whether the topical form of these medications can lead to systemic side-effects.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology

One question on whether and when (at what age) the participant had lost one or both parents by death.

BMC Public Health

Tortorella answered a conceptual question on whether players had benefited from playing abroad during the lockout.

The New York Times

The questions were vague including the question on whether homosexuality should be banned.

The Guardian

Brady deflected a question on whether he felt anger towards the NFL top brass.

The Guardian - Sport

And Mr. Suozzi today dodged a question on whether he will propose increasing the sales tax.

The New York Times

As for your question on whether we should control global climate, I doubt that we can.

The Guardian

However, there has been a long-standing question on whether interface-affected-zone (IAZ) exists, and how it might behave.

Materials Today

If you ever have a question on whether something is allowable, check with the faculty or GSI for the course.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When posing a "question on whether" in formal writing, follow it with a clear and concise statement of the options or possibilities under consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "question on whether" to form a direct question. Instead of "I have a question on whether this is correct", use "Is this correct?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question on whether" functions as an introductory element that frames a query regarding a condition or possibility. It sets the stage for exploring a point of uncertainty or inquiry, as supported by Ludwig's examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

23%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "question on whether" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that introduces a query about a condition or possibility. According to Ludwig, it appears across various contexts, including science, news, and academia, showcasing its versatility. While it is suitable for formal and informal settings, writers should be mindful of potential direct question misuses. Alternatives such as "inquiry regarding whether" can add a more formal tone, as shown in various sources. The phrase serves to highlight uncertainty or doubt, prompting further examination or discussion, making it valuable for precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inquiry about whether

Replaces "question" with "inquiry", focusing on the act of asking rather than the specific query itself. Slight change in formality.

query regarding whether

Substitutes "question" with "query" and "on" with "regarding", maintaining a formal tone while altering the phrasing.

the issue of whether

Highlights that there is a problem to be discussed

investigation into whether

Changes the focus to a deeper examination or investigation, suggesting a more thorough exploration than a simple question.

the matter of whether

Expresses that something needs to be taken into account

consideration of whether

Highlights the act of thinking about a possibility, rather than directly asking about it. More contemplative.

the conundrum of whether

Highlights the puzzling question

debate over whether

Implies a discussion or argument about a specific point, adding a layer of contention not present in the original phrase.

uncertainty about whether

Shifts the focus to the lack of certainty surrounding a situation, rather than the act of questioning itself.

the problem of whether

Frames the situation as a problem to be solved, implying complexity and difficulty beyond a simple question.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "question on whether" to sound more formal?

To achieve a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "inquiry regarding whether" or "investigation into whether". These options add a layer of professional distance and seriousness.

Is it grammatically correct to use "question on whether" in academic writing?

Yes, the phrase "question on whether" is grammatically correct and suitable for academic writing. It is used to introduce points of inquiry or uncertainty within research or analysis, as shown by "one question on whether" from BMC Public Health.

What are some common alternatives to "question on whether"?

Some common alternatives include phrases like "the issue of whether", "the matter of whether", or simply posing the question directly without the introductory phrase.

Can "question on whether" be used in everyday conversation?

Yes, "question on whether" can be used in everyday conversation, but it may sound slightly formal. In more informal settings, consider shortening it to "question about whether" or posing the question directly. For instance, instead of asking "I have a question on whether we should go", you could simply ask "Should we go?"