whether or

Could you please explain the usage of " whether" and correct the following sentences.

1# I am going to the party whether you want to come with or not.
2# I don't know whether or not to say her the truth.

3# I don't know whether giving him the knife back.

I feel 3# is incorrect.But I am not sure. So please help me solve my doubt.

Thank a lot.

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Could you please explain the usage of " whether" and correct the following sentences.

I will post a dictionary excerpt at the end which shows the uses of whether.

1# I am going to the party whether you want to come with or not.

This is OK. I prefer "I am going to the party whether or not you want to go.

2# I don't know whether or not to say her the truth.

I don't know whether (or not) to tell her the truth. (The "or not" is optional.)

3# I don't know whether giving him the knife back.

I feel 3# is incorrect.But I am not sure. So please help me solve my doubt.

It is incorrect. "Giving him the knife back" is a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. Whether needs more than a noun after it.

"I don't know whether giving him the knife back is the right thing to do.

:wink:

[RonBee]

Originally Posted by Anonymous

1# I am going to the party whether you want to come with or not.

Try:

• I am going to the party whether you want to come with me or not.

Or:

• I am going to the party whether you want to go or not.

:)