whether to run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whether to run" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a decision or choice about the action of running, often in contexts involving options or considerations. Example: "I am still contemplating whether to run in the marathon this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We debated whether to run it.

The New York Times

It's not whether to run, but whether to run against the emerging consensus of his party.

The New York Times

Mr. Thompson ruminated for many weeks about whether to run.

The New York Times

People didn't know whether to run or help.

The Guardian

He also has formed an exploratory committee to help him decide by January whether to run.

The Washington Post

How are you going to go about deciding whether to run for president again?

The New York Times

Mr Golisano has said he will decide very soon whether to run again as a Republican.

The Economist

He hasn't made a decision about whether to run for re-election.

The New York Times

Mr. Coleman said he had not decided whether to run for governor.

The New York Times

Whether to run a masthead had been at the discretion of Time Inc. editors.

The New York Times

A look at Gov. Chris Christie's options as he considers whether to run for president.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "whether to run", ensure the context clearly defines what "running" refers to, such as running for office, running a race, or running a program.

Common error

Avoid nesting multiple "whether to run" phrases within a single sentence, as this can lead to convoluted and confusing constructions. Break down complex decisions into simpler sentences for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whether to run" functions as an interrogative clause acting as a noun phrase. It presents a decision point, asking about the advisability or intention of performing the action of running. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and the examples demonstrate a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "whether to run" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction that presents a decision point about undertaking the action of running. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase and is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While versatile, clarity is key; ensure the context defines the specific type of "running" being considered. For alternatives, consider phrases like "if one should run" or "decision to run" for slight nuances. Avoid overuse in overly complex sentences to maintain clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if one should run

Replaces "whether" with "if", implying a conditional decision.

decision to run

Focuses on the decision itself, rather than the deliberation.

contemplating running

Emphasizes the act of thinking deeply about running.

considering a run

Highlights the act of giving thought to running.

should one consider running

Presents a more formal and questioning approach.

pondering the run

Focuses on the action with a touch of reflection.

deliberating on running

Emphasizes a careful and thorough consideration.

evaluating a run

Focuses on assessing the potential benefits or drawbacks.

assessing if to run

Highlights the assessment aspect of the decision.

weighing the option to run

Emphasizes the comparison of running against other possibilities.

FAQs

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

Use "whether to run" when expressing a decision or consideration about performing the action of running. Example: "The athlete is uncertain "whether to run" the marathon due to a recent injury."

What phrases are similar to "whether to run"?

Alternatives include "if one should run", "decision to run", or "contemplating running", each with a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to say "whether to run" or "if to run"?

"Whether to run" is generally preferred in formal writing as it explicitly presents two options (to run or not to run). "If to run" is less common and can sound awkward in some contexts. Therefore ""whether to run"" is generally the best choice.

How does the context affect the meaning of "whether to run"?

The context determines what kind of "running" is being considered. It could refer to a political campaign, a sporting event, a business operation, or even fleeing a situation. Always ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity when using ""whether to run"".