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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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to make whether

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make whether" is not correct and usable in written English.
It seems to be a confusion of terms and does not convey a clear meaning in standard English usage. Example: "I need to make whether we should proceed with the project or not." (This is incorrect.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

mWater wants to make whether it's contaminated a factor that weighs on their choice.

News & Media

The Guardian

"I had a big decision to make whether to sign a new contract or not.

Ultimately, it is my decision as a parent to make, whether I will link the differences my son notices to a belief that we should be unequal.

"It's minor adjustments you have to make, whether it's pitching them backwards a little bit or busting them off the plate a little bit," Harvey said.

If you just let the sugar dissolve slowly as the glogg simmers, no drink could be simpler to make, whether for 10 people or 150.

As an American of a certain age at a time of war, I had a choice to make: whether I would participate.

News & Media

The New Yorker
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"The states need to make clear whether they're valid or not," she said.

News & Media

The New York Times

It's also important to make clear whether you are writing on behalf of your university.

News & Media

The Guardian

Mr Cameron said that over the next three years the country had three fundamental choices to make - whether to break up the UK, whether to back his long-term economic plan and whether to stay in a reformed EU.

News & Media

BBC

"This is a very difficult decision to make -- whether you cut people before the end of this year".

News & Media

The New York Times

"It's a judgment call you have to make -- whether paid media is best to spend now, next year or whenever," said Trent Duffy, a party spokesman.

News & Media

The New York Times
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "to make whether" in formal or informal writing. Instead, opt for grammatically correct alternatives such as "to decide whether" or "to determine whether" to clearly express the act of making a decision between options.

Common error

A common mistake is to directly combine "make" with a subordinate clause starting with "whether". This often results in ungrammatical sentences. Ensure you use a verb that properly introduces the decision-making process, such as "decide" or "determine", for clarity and correctness.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

60%

Authority and reliability

1.2/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make whether" functions as an infinitive phrase aiming to introduce a decision-making process. However, it is grammatically incorrect as noted by Ludwig AI, which recommends using alternative phrasing for clarity and correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to make whether" is grammatically incorrect and not suitable for use in English writing. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase presents a confusion of terms and lacks a clear meaning. Instead, it's best to use alternatives such as "to decide whether", "to determine whether", or "to consider whether" to properly convey the intention of making a decision. These alternatives ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy across various writing contexts, from formal reports to informal communications.

FAQs

What is the correct way to phrase a decision involving "whether"?

Instead of the incorrect phrase "to make whether", use phrases like "to decide whether" or "to determine whether" to accurately express the process of making a decision.

Is "to make whether" grammatically correct?

No, "to make whether" is not grammatically correct in standard English. It is better to use verbs like "decide", "determine", or "consider" followed by "whether" to form a grammatically sound sentence.

What can I say instead of "to make whether" in a formal context?

In a formal setting, replace "to make whether" with phrases such as "to determine whether" or "to ascertain whether" to maintain a professional and precise tone.

How does using "to decide whether" differ from "to make whether"?

The phrase "to decide whether" is grammatically correct and widely accepted, while "to make whether" is ungrammatical and confusing. "Decide" accurately conveys the act of choosing between options, whereas "make" does not fit the structure of the sentence when used with "whether".

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: