whether then

USAGE SUMMARY

'whether then' is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase is used to indicate a choice between alternatives. For example, "I don't know whether I should go now or later - whether then, I should leave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Whether, then, the ability of CsA to improve motor function in our model is related to other effects of improving mitochondrial function, or is instead due to additional non-predicted roles of CsA, is unclear.

Human Molecular Genetics

Some of the biggest names – including Evans, who is believed to be the BBC's highest paid star– may investigate whether then can invoke clauses in their contracts preventing pay disclosure.

The Guardian

She has fought against the Vietnam War, the apartheid, the American military installation at Pine Gap, property developers, bad bosses, private schools, the occupation of Palestine, gun nuts, and the WTO and she launched a NSW Legislative Council inquiry into whether then Cardinal Pell's comments on cloning constituted "contempt of parliament".

The Guardian - Opinion

When Socrates asks whether, then, he holds that justice is a vice, Thrasymachus instead defines it as an intellectual failing: "No, just very high-minded simplicity," while injustice is "good judgment" and is to be "included with virtue and wisdom" (348c-e).

SEP

The facts of what happened then -- whether "then" is 3,000 years ago, 300, three years or three minutes -- vary depending on who you ask, what they saw, and how they interpreted what they saw.

Huffington Post

In an industry where content is king it's sometimes puzzling how quick the business side of the industry is quick to throw away a show whether then finding a better way to make it profitable.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"But it would just depend on whether then-Senator Codey wanted it and whether Jon Corzine wanted to do it".

The New York Times

This school year got off to a chaotic start, with the system roiled by uncertainty over whether then-Schools Chancellor Rudy Crew would stay or go.

The New York Times

In 2014, when respondents were asked whether then-premier Barry O'Farrell was doing enough, an even bigger 68% thought he wasn't.

The Guardian

A big part of Twitter's IPO would be whether then-CEO Dick Costolo would be able to maneuver the company into a massively successful and sustainable one.

TechCrunch

Far more important, though, will be whether countries then live up to the promises they make.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "whether then", ensure that the sentence clearly establishes a conditional scenario followed by a logical consequence or question depending on that condition. Proper punctuation after "then" often enhances clarity.

Common error

A common mistake is omitting or misplacing the comma after "then" in "whether then", which can disrupt the flow of the sentence. Ensure the comma is present if it's serving as an interrupter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whether then" functions as a conditional connector, introducing a subsequent consideration or question based on a preceding condition. It sets up a scenario where the outcome hinges on the initial "whether" clause. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whether then" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that functions as a conditional connector, typically found in neutral to slightly formal contexts like news articles and scientific writing. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. It is used to introduce a subsequent consideration dependent on a preceding condition, setting up a logical sequence. While "whether then" is not particularly common, understanding its function and appropriate usage can enhance the precision and clarity of your writing. Remembering to punctuate correctly and avoid overuse will ensure its effective application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whether subsequently

Emphasizes a time sequence more strongly than the original phrase.

whether afterward

Similar to 'subsequently', but potentially spanning shorter periods of time.

whether in that case

This phrase explicitly sets up a conditional scenario.

if that's the situation

Highlights the uncertainty of the situation or condition.

depending on that

This emphasizes the dependence on a specific condition.

subject to that

Highlights the conditional nature with formal tone and register.

granted that

Acknowledges a premise before proceeding with the question.

in light of that

Introduces the conditional point as a consideration.

considering that

Similar to 'in light of that' but a bit more commonly used.

in those circumstances

Highlights the dependence on a context or condition.

FAQs

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

Use "whether then" to present a choice or consequence contingent on a previously mentioned condition. For example, "Consider the initial investment; "whether then" the project proceeds depends on securing additional funding".

Is "whether then" formal or informal?

The phrase "whether then" leans towards a more neutral to slightly formal register, suitable for academic, journalistic, or professional contexts.

What are some alternatives to "whether then"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, consider using alternatives like "whether subsequently", "if so", or "in that case".

How does "whether then" compare to "if so"?

"Whether then" explicitly questions the outcome based on a condition, whereas "if so" simply implies a consequence. Consider the sentence structure. In most cases, the phrases are not interchangeable.