to know whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to know whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or inquiry about a condition or situation. Example: "I need to know whether the meeting is still scheduled for tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I want to know whether to celebrate.

BBC

"He wants to know whether we're ready.

The New York Times

A science tourist needs to know whether or not aurora will occur.

Advances in Space Research

It's hard to know whether to laugh or cry.

The New York Times

But they do want to know whether you care.

The New Yorker

Now astronomers want to know whether the maths is correct.

The Economist

They wanted to know whether they should actually listen.

The New York Times

They want to know whether it will work nationwide.

The Economist

"City employees want to know whether they'll get paid.

The New York Times

I wanted to know whether they had real value.

The New York Times

He wants to know whether they handle their families' finances.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "to ascertain whether" or "to determine whether" for a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "to know whether" in straightforward scenarios where a direct question is more appropriate. For example, instead of "I want to know whether you are coming", a simple "Are you coming?" might suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to know whether" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as a noun phrase within a sentence. It introduces an indirect question or expresses the need for information regarding a binary or multiple-choice scenario. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and widely employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to know whether" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express a need for information or clarity concerning uncertain situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys widespread usage across diverse fields, including news, science, and business. While generally appropriate, mindful writers should consider simpler alternatives in straightforward contexts and opt for more formal synonyms like "to ascertain whether" in professional settings. Its high frequency and neutral register make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to determine whether

Emphasizes the process of finding out information to resolve uncertainty.

to ascertain whether

Indicates a more formal or official process of finding something out for certain.

to find out whether

A more direct and informal way of expressing the need to discover information.

to understand whether

Focuses on gaining comprehension regarding a particular situation or fact.

to discover whether

Highlights the act of uncovering or revealing information that was previously unknown.

to see whether

Suggests an observation or test to gain the necessary knowledge.

to learn whether

Focuses on the acquisition of knowledge through study or experience.

to investigate whether

Implies a systematic or formal inquiry to determine the truth or facts.

to check whether

Suggests a quick verification to confirm something.

to explore whether

Indicates a broader examination to uncover potential information or possibilities.

FAQs

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

Use "to know whether" when expressing a need to gain information about a situation with uncertain outcomes. For instance, "I need "to know whether" the package has been shipped."

Are there formal alternatives to "to know whether"?

Yes, in formal contexts, you can use phrases like "to ascertain whether" or "to determine whether" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "to know whether" and "to know if"?

While "to know whether" and "to know if" are often interchangeable, "whether" is generally considered more grammatically correct when there are two or more possibilities. "If" is more commonly used in conditional statements.

Is it always necessary to use "to know whether"?

No, in some cases, a direct question may be more concise and effective. For example, instead of saying "I want "to know whether" you like it", you can simply ask "Do you like it?"