whether / condition

[aysaa]

Hi,

To present two alternatives (neither of which is a condition).

1- Inform the clerk whether Mark needs a seat or not.
(In this example, the two alternatives are 'Mark needs a seat' and 'Mark does not need a seat'. The clerk is to be informed in either case.)

2- You have to eat this meal whether you like it or not.

I just would like to ask if I must use 'or not' while presenting two alternatives.

Thanks.

 

[Tdol]

Not necessarily, but I would in these cases.

 

[5jj]

I think it's essential in the second.

 

[Tdol]

Sorry- my answer may have been a bit unclear. When I said not necessarily, I was answering the question about whether you must use it. I agree with 5jj about the second.