whether to continue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whether to continue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in any situation where you are discussing decisions that can be made and whether or not they should be continued. For example, "We had a lively debate about whether to continue funding the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are debating whether to continue the stay on execution".

The New York Times

This includes the right to choose whether to continue pregnancies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whether to continue or alter the initial selling method.

Harvard Business Review

Prosecutors must choose whether to continue pressing for a trial.

The New York Times

The administration has been debating whether to continue the payments.

The Washington Post

A decision would then be made on whether to continue the journey to Seattle.

The New York Times

Send them to a "death panel" that would choose whether to continue care?

The New York Times

The burden of whether to continue playing, they say, is on the parents.

The New York Times - Arts

Individual states could decide whether to continue to prohibit public sale.

The Economist

"I needed to decompress and decide whether to continue working in this business.

The New York Times

Governors will decide in the coming weeks whether to continue with the wider field.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When posing a question involving "whether to continue", ensure the context clearly outlines what action or state is being considered for continuation. For example, instead of saying "We debated whether to continue", specify "We debated "whether to continue" the project funding".

Common error

Avoid using "whether to continue" repeatedly within a single, complex sentence. This can make the sentence convoluted and difficult to understand. Break down the sentence or rephrase using alternatives like "if we should proceed" or "if continuation is advisable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whether to continue" functions as a conjunction phrase introducing an indirect question. It is used to express uncertainty or deliberation about the continuation of an action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whether to continue" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to introduce indirect questions about the continuation of actions or states. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. Appearing most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, it maintains a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the action being considered and avoid overuse in complex sentences. Consider related phrases like "if we should proceed" or "if continuation is advisable" for variety. By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and context-specific usage, writers can effectively use "whether to continue" to convey uncertainty or deliberation in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if we should proceed

Emphasizes the act of moving forward, offering a slightly more active alternative.

if continuation is advisable

Uses more formal language, focusing on the advisability of continuing.

if we ought to go on

Employs a more colloquial tone with "go on", suggesting a less formal context.

if carrying on is justified

Focuses on the justification for continuing, implying a need for validation.

if it's worth pursuing

Shifts the focus to the value or worth of continuing the effort.

shall we keep going

Presents a direct question about whether to maintain the current course.

if further action is warranted

Uses formal language, emphasizing the necessity of additional steps.

should we maintain the course

Focuses on preserving the present trajectory or direction.

if sustaining the effort is viable

Considers the practicality and feasibility of maintaining the current exertion.

whether to prolong the endeavor

Presents a more elevated and literary alternative, with 'prolong' and 'endeavor'.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "whether to continue" to sound more formal?

Consider alternatives like "if continuation is advisable", "if further action is warranted", or "if sustaining the effort is viable". These options employ more sophisticated vocabulary and sentence structures, lending a more professional tone.

What's a less formal way to say "whether to continue"?

You could use phrases such as "if we ought to go on" or "shall we keep going" for a more casual and conversational tone. These options use simpler language and are suitable for informal settings.

Is there a difference between "whether to continue" and "whether to proceed"?

While similar, "whether to proceed" emphasizes the act of moving forward, whereas "whether to continue" focuses on maintaining an existing action. The best choice depends on the specific context you intend to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "whether to continue" in writing?

The phrase "whether to continue" is suitable in various contexts, especially when discussing decisions about sustaining an activity, project, treatment, or any ongoing process. It fits well in both formal reports and informal discussions.