Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
we examine whether
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase 'we examine whether' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you need to explain that you are evaluating something to determine if it meets a certain criteria or requirement. For example, "We examine whether our products meet safety standards before they can be sold."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
We examine whether response differs for unemployment increases versus decreases.
Here we examine whether fall perception is similarly slow.
Science
We examine whether that recommendation can be relied upon.
Science
We examine whether executive loans are associated with financial misstatements.
We examine whether entrepreneurial and scientific performance in academia can be reconciled.
Science
Below, we examine whether our results apply to men and women separately.
Science
Later, we examine whether this differentiation emerges in school or at home.
In addition, we examine whether current trends in regional variation in aging will continue.
Science
In a second part of the paper, we examine whether training mitigates this negative effect.
First, we examine whether a relatively small share of CTs concentrate either crimes or their correlates.
Science
We examine whether any seismicity change occurred after the M7.3 event.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "we examine whether", clearly state the hypothesis or condition being investigated to provide context for the reader.
Common error
Ensure the "whether" clause is followed by a complete and clear condition to avoid ambiguity. Vague conditions can weaken the statement's impact.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "we examine whether" functions as an introductory phrase to a dependent clause expressing a condition or hypothesis being investigated. This is supported by Ludwig's examples where the phrase consistently precedes a clause outlining the subject of the examination.
Frequent in
Science
87%
News & Media
6%
Formal & Business
7%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "we examine whether" is a grammatically sound and very common construction used to introduce an inquiry or hypothesis. According to Ludwig, the phrase is most frequently found in scientific and academic contexts, indicating a formal and analytical tone. When using "we examine whether", ensure the subsequent clause is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "we investigate if" and "we explore whether" offer slight variations in emphasis. Due to its formal nature, consider the audience and context when deciding whether to use "we examine whether" or a less formal alternative.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
we investigate if
Replaces "whether" with "if", maintaining the core meaning of inquiry.
we explore whether
Substitutes "examine" with "explore", suggesting a more in-depth investigation.
we analyze whether
Uses "analyze" instead of "examine", emphasizing a detailed and systematic evaluation.
we consider whether
Employs "consider", indicating a thoughtful evaluation of a possibility.
we assess if
Replaces "examine" with "assess" and "whether" with "if", focusing on evaluation.
we determine whether
Uses "determine", suggesting an effort to find a definitive answer.
we study whether
Substitutes "examine" with "study", implying a focused academic inquiry.
we check if
Replaces "examine" with "check" and "whether" with "if", indicating a verification process.
we look into whether
Uses the phrasal verb "look into" as a casual alternative to "examine".
we inquire whether
Substitutes "examine" with "inquire", suggesting a more formal investigation.
FAQs
How can I use "we examine whether" in a sentence?
Use "we examine whether" to introduce a question or hypothesis that your research or analysis aims to answer. For example, "We examine whether increased exercise correlates with reduced stress levels."
What are some alternatives to "we examine whether"?
You can use alternatives like "we investigate if", "we explore whether", or "we analyze whether" depending on the context.
Is it correct to say "we examine that" instead of "we examine whether"?
No, "we examine that" is used to indicate the object of your examination, whereas "we examine whether" introduces a condition or question. For example, "We examine that document" versus "We examine whether the document is authentic."
What's the difference between "we examine whether" and "we investigate whether"?
"We examine whether" and "we investigate whether" are quite similar. "Investigate" often implies a more thorough or formal inquiry compared to "examine", but in many contexts, they are interchangeable.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested