to say whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to say whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of expressing a decision or opinion about a particular situation or condition. Example: "I need to say whether I agree with the proposed changes by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He declined to say whether he approved.

The New York Times

He refuses to say whether that happened.

The New York Times

It's not to say whether it's true or not.

Yale University

Please to say whether you agree to our proposal.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He declined to say whether America should launch air strikes.

The Economist

He declined to say whether any investigations had been opened.

The New York Times

He declined to say whether Sony would close any factories.

The New York Times

I don't have to say whether it's true or not.

The New York Times

He declined to say whether he still does.

The New Yorker

He declined to say whether any progress had been made.

The New York Times

He also declined to say whether there were other investors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Make sure that the context provides a clear subject who is doing the "saying". Ensure clarity by specifying who is expressing their decision or opinion.

Common error

Avoid using "to say whether" in direct questions. It's more appropriate for reported speech or indirect inquiries. For direct questions, use "to ask whether" or a similar construction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to say whether" functions as an infinitive phrase that introduces an indirect question or a clause expressing doubt or a choice between alternatives. It indicates the act of expressing an opinion or providing information about a condition. As Ludwig confirms, it is correct to use it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to say whether" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction in English. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to introduce indirect questions, report on withheld information, or present conditions for evaluation. Its usage spans from formal news and academic contexts to more informal conversations. While generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure correct usage by not using it in direct questions. Related phrases like "to indicate if" and "to express if" offer alternatives depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to indicate if

Focuses on a simple indication or signal, removing the explicit act of 'saying'.

to express if

Emphasizes conveying a condition without implying verbal communication.

to state if

Implies a formal declaration or announcement.

to determine if

Shifts the focus to the process of figuring something out, not necessarily expressing it.

to decide whether

Highlights the decision-making process regarding a choice between alternatives.

to ascertain if

Implies a careful and thorough investigation to establish the truth.

to clarify if

Focuses on making something understandable or free from ambiguity.

to confirm if

Implies verifying or establishing the truth or accuracy of something.

to reveal if

Suggests uncovering something previously unknown or hidden.

to disclose whether

Emphasizes making information known, especially information that was previously private.

FAQs

What does "to say whether" mean?

The phrase "to say whether" means to express an opinion, decision, or preference regarding a particular situation or condition. It indicates choosing between alternatives or making a judgment.

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

You can use "to say whether" when reporting someone's refusal to disclose information. For example, "He declined "to say whether" he approved of the plan".

What are some alternatives to "to say whether"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to indicate if", "to express if", or "to state if" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to use "to say whether" or "to tell whether"?

"To say whether" focuses on expressing a decision or opinion, while "to tell whether" emphasizes discerning or distinguishing something. Use "to tell whether" when the context involves identifying or determining something.