question whether

USAGE SUMMARY

'question whether' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when forming a question that inquires about the possibility of something being true. Example: I question whether requiring masks in public spaces will reduce the incidence of coronavirus.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I question whether this is fair.

The New Yorker

You can question whether he's too conservative.

The New York Times

They question whether he ever existed.

The New York Times

Some question whether the investment is worthwhile.

The New York Times

Some experts question whether greater government authority is the answer.

The New York Times - Tech

I've had people question whether I'm a real person.

The New York Times

Activists also question whether the studies are needed.

The New York Times - Health

And experts question whether the Kenya pipeline is even feasible.

The New York Times

Rarely does anyone question whether this is appropriate.

The New York Times

It remains an open question whether it will.

The New York Times

We would question whether we wanted to live.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "question whether" to introduce a nuanced inquiry, especially when expressing doubt or uncertainty without outright dismissal.

Common error

Avoid using "question whether" when a direct statement of uncertainty would be more concise. For example, instead of "I question whether this will work", consider saying "I doubt this will work".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question whether" functions as a verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause expressing doubt or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it frames a proposition as something to be examined or challenged, rather than accepted as a given. Examples show its deployment in contexts ranging from scientific inquiry to personal reflection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "question whether" is a versatile phrase used to introduce doubt or inquiry. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and even more informal settings. While generally neutral to formal, overuse in simple declarative sentences should be avoided for conciseness. Alternatives like "doubt if" or "wonder whether" can offer nuanced variations. The phrase functions to express skepticism and initiate further investigation, making it a valuable tool for clear and critical communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wonder whether

Indicates pondering or curiosity about something. Implies a more thoughtful consideration than "question whether".

is it possible that

Poses a direct question about the likelihood of something. More tentative and exploratory than "question whether".

doubt if

Expresses uncertainty about a condition or statement. More direct and less formal than "question whether".

consider if

Suggests a deliberate evaluation of a situation. Focuses on weighing the possibilities.

raise doubts about

Highlights the act of introducing uncertainty. Focuses on the doubts themselves rather than a direct question.

evaluate whether

Indicates an assessment or judgment. More analytical than simply questioning.

investigate if

Implies a more formal inquiry or examination. Suggests a systematic approach to finding an answer.

ask oneself if

Suggests an internal inquiry or self-reflection. More introspective than "question whether".

express skepticism about

Conveys a sense of disbelief or incredulity. Stronger and more critical than "question whether".

challenge the notion that

Directly opposes an idea or assumption. More confrontational than "question whether".

FAQs

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

Use "question whether" to introduce an element of doubt or inquiry about a statement or situation. For example, "I question whether the new policy will be effective".

What are some alternatives to "question whether"?

Alternatives include "doubt if", "wonder whether", or "raise doubts about". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "question whether" or "wonder whether"?

"Question whether" is generally perceived as slightly more formal than "wonder whether", although both are suitable for professional writing.

What's the difference between "question whether" and "ask whether"?

"Question whether" suggests an internal or reflective inquiry, while "ask whether" implies seeking information from an external source. For example, "I question whether I should apply" (internal) vs. "I asked whether they were hiring" (external).