Whether or not

Do the words or not always follow the conjunction whether? Here's the rule: When the clause beginning with whether is acting as a sentence adverb modifying the main clause, it must express two possibilities: Whether I go or stay home, you can attend.

If only one possibility is stated, include or not as the second possibility: Whether I go or not, you can attend; Whether or not I go, you can attend. (Tip: In this case, whether or not is equivalent to regardless of whether.)

In all other cases, or not is either incorrect or unnecessary and can be omitted. Now that you know the rule, you can decide when to omit the words or not in the sentences below.

1. I don't know I can support John's suggestion.

whether

whether or not

2. Virginia takes the bus or cycles to work, her commute will take one hour.

whether

whether or not

3. Virginia cycles to work, her commute will take one hour.

whether

whether or not

4. We have to talk about we can afford this purchase.

whether

whether or not

5. That child is eating whatever I make for supper, she likes it.

whether

whether or not

6. Masha can't decide she should go to the party.

whether

whether or not

7. Grigor can win the election is the question.

whether

whether or not

8. Michael plans to start university his mother agrees.

whether

whether or not