would like to know whether

USAGE SUMMARY

"would like to know whether" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to ask a question in a polite or indirect way. For example, "I would like to know whether you would be able to help me with this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A caller would like to know whether one's landlord can enter one's garden without one's permission.

The New York Times

"We would like to know whether it is humanitarian or military," he said.

The New York Times

Lady Puffin: I would like to know whether he's going to do any more stand-up.

The Guardian

I suppose you would like to know whether our time has been well spent.

The Guardian - Opinion

She has also told me that she would like to know whether or not it is synthetic.

The New York Times

Shinseki put before the Army a radically different proposition: "I would like to know whether we can design systems that can't be hit".

The New Yorker

I would like to know whether unit owners in a condominium can be evicted if they do not pay common charges.... Cheng H. Peh, Manhattan.

The New York Times

And I specifically would like to know whether Governor Bush will support the Dingell-Norwood bill which is the main one pending.

The New York Times

"If you would like to know whether or not Celeste Fox brutally murdered her aged grandmother for drug money, not long after mowing her lawn, press 3 now".

The New York Times - Arts

Hugo wrote him a memo asking: "I would like to know whether you want... to make the leader column into a personal platform".

The Guardian

I would like to know whether men were responsible for drawing up the questions, and who exactly were the women they questioned?

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the sentence structure is clear and the question is easily understandable. Avoid overly complex phrasing that could confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "would like to know whether" in situations that demand a direct and immediate response. For instance, if someone is in danger, a direct question is more appropriate than a polite inquiry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would like to know whether" functions as a polite and indirect way to introduce an inquiry or a question. It softens the directness of a question, making it suitable for formal contexts. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase is often used in news, science, and business contexts to seek information or clarification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "would like to know whether" is a versatile phrase used to politely inquire or seek information across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news, science, and business domains. While it is suitable for most professional and academic settings, more direct questions might be preferred in informal situations or when immediacy is crucial. When writing, consider using alternatives like "wish to know whether" or "would like to find out whether" for different shades of formality. Remember to tailor the phrase to suit the specific context and audience for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would like to find out whether

Replaces "know" with "find out", emphasizing the process of discovering information.

is curious to know whether

Emphasizes curiosity or interest in knowing the information.

wishes to know whether

More formal and polite way of expressing the desire to know.

is keen to know whether

Indicates a strong desire or eagerness to know the information.

wished to know whether

Past tense form, indicating a past desire to know.

wish to know whether

More direct and slightly less formal way of asking.

asked whether

Directly states that a question was posed.

are anxious to know whether

Indicates concern or worry while seeking information.

would be interested to know if

Slightly more indirect and polite way of phrasing the inquiry.

seeks to determine whether

Formal and objective, suitable for research or investigation contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "would like to know whether" in a sentence?

The phrase "would like to know whether" is used to politely ask a question or express a desire for information. For example, "I "would like to know whether" you will be attending the meeting." or "We "would like to know whether" the project is on schedule".

What are some alternatives to "would like to know whether"?

You can use alternatives like "would like to find out whether", "is curious to know whether", or "wishes to know whether" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "would like to know whether" formal or informal?

"Would like to know whether" is generally considered a polite and somewhat formal way to ask a question. In very informal situations, you might use a more direct question, but this phrase is suitable for most professional and academic contexts.

Can I use "would like to know whether" at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically correct, it's more common to use "would like to know whether" within a sentence to maintain a smoother flow. Starting with a direct question or a statement of purpose followed by the question is often preferred.