Guide 214 / 221 3 alternatives 2-minute read

Better ways to say “Whether or not”

Often just "whether."

i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler

"Whether" alone usually carries the meaning. "Or not" is needed only when you mean "regardless of whether" — i.e. "I will go whether or not you come."

ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo

Before

I want to know whether or not the build passed.

After

I want to know whether the build passed.

iii · The alternatives3 ways out

01

Whether neutral

best default

I want to know whether the build passed.
02

If neutral

casual

I want to know if the build passed.
03

Whether or not neutral

only when "regardless" is the meaning

I will ship whether or not you approve.

iv · Brew tipKeep this one

Need "regardless"? Keep "or not." Otherwise drop it.