whether to intervene

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whether to intervene" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a decision-making process regarding the action of intervening in a situation. Example: "The committee is debating whether to intervene in the ongoing conflict to provide assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The department asked for public comment by Oct. 10, after which it plans to decide whether to intervene.

The New York Times

Whether to intervene is your choice.

The New York Times - Arts

That parent isn't sure whether to intervene.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Whether to intervene in Syria is this week's burning dilemma.

The Economist

Congress is divided over whether to intervene in Syria.

The Guardian

The first choice was whether to intervene or stand aside.

The Guardian

The SEC split 3-2 on whether to intervene in this case.

Harvard University

He said he would decide by Dec. 13 whether to intervene in the Illinois case.

The New York Times

Each one needs to be explored and evaluated, and a decision taken about whether to intervene.

The Guardian - Opinion

The prime minister consulted parliament on whether to intervene in Syria.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This can be appropriate for other scores such as QRISK2 determining whether to intervene with primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

British Medical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "whether to intervene", ensure the context clearly defines the situation where intervention is being considered.

Common error

Avoid using "whether to intervene" in overly passive constructions. Instead of "A decision was made about whether to intervene", try "The committee decided whether to intervene", for a clearer, more direct statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whether to intervene" functions as an infinitive phrase that serves as a noun clause, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "whether to intervene" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the act of considering involvement in a situation. As verified by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable across a range of contexts, from formal academic discussions to news reports. It's essential to consider the clarity of the context when using this phrase, and to avoid overly passive constructions for enhanced impact. Alternatives such as "deciding on intervention" can offer nuanced variations, while maintaining a similar core meaning. By paying attention to the context and employing best writing practices, one can effectively use "whether to intervene" to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deciding on intervention

Focuses on the decision-making process itself, streamlining the original phrase.

the choice of intervening

Nominalizes the act of intervening, presenting it as a selection from available options.

assessing the need for intervention

Highlights the evaluation stage before making a decision, focusing on the justification for action.

evaluating potential intervention

Emphasizes the assessment of the intervention itself, considering its potential impact.

if intervention is necessary

Focuses on the necessity of the action, shifting from a question of choice to a conditional statement.

the question of involvement

Shifts the emphasis to the degree of participation, rather than the specific act of intervening.

pondering whether to get involved

Replaces 'intervene' with 'get involved', offering a more informal alternative.

if to take action

Emphasizes the act of taking action, simplifying the phrase and broadening the context.

considering taking a hand

Uses a more idiomatic expression to convey the idea of getting involved.

the determination to act

Highlights the resolve to take action, changing the focus to the decision-maker's intent.

FAQs

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

You can use "whether to intervene" to describe a situation where someone is considering taking action to affect an event or situation. For example, "The president is considering "whether to intervene" in the conflict."

What's a more formal way to say "whether to intervene"?

In more formal contexts, you might consider phrases like "the determination of intervention" or "the decision regarding intervention". These options provide a more elevated tone.

Is it ever incorrect to use "whether to intervene"?

The phrase "whether to intervene" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. However, ensure that the context supports the idea of considering action in a specific situation. Using it in irrelevant contexts may be confusing.

What factors influence the decision of "whether to intervene"?

The decision of "whether to intervene" often depends on factors like the potential impact of intervention, the risks involved, and the ethical considerations at play. Each scenario requires a careful evaluation of these factors.