NewsBlues mrsbgrammar Page 45
Chapter 1 Common Grammar Mistakes
35
whether/if, whether or not
Mrs. B suspects something about the moon's phase has everyone
atwitter about when to use "whether" and when to use "if."
Usually both are correct.
v
Jerry wonders WHETHER (or IF) he should pack his rain gear.
But when the sentence talks about a choice with the word "or" in
there, use "whether."
v
Dave wonders WHETHER to take an umbrella OR a parka.
Most of the time "or not" is redundant after "whether," but not all the
time.
In these cases, leave it off.
v
Angela wonders WHETHER the mayor will be at the meeting.
v
Andrea will base her approach to the story on WHETHER she
gets a veteran photog or a new one.
But look at this.
v
Lisa will anchor the noon show WHETHER or NOT she's in the
studio.
You need the "or not" when "whether or not" means "regardless of
whether."
That's a mouthful.
And Mrs. B is plum tuckered out.
