whether or not
1whether or not — In most sentences, the or not in this phrase is unnecessary. Or not is a mere filler in a sentence such as Whether the remark was accurate or not is not certain. However, in certain constructions equal force or stress should be given to… …
2whether or not — The second two words should be dropped when whether is equivalent to if, as in It is not yet known whether or not persons who become reinfected can spread the virus to others. Or not is necessary, however, when what is being stressed is an… …
3whether or not — The second two words should be dropped when whether is equivalent to if, as here: It is not yet known whether or not persons who become reinfected can spread the virus to other susceptible individuals (New York Times). Or not is necessary,… …
4whether or not — if something does or does not happen. Whether or not she wins the championship, she ll still be one of the best swimmers we ve ever had in the school. Usage notes: often used in the form whether something or not: Whether you like it or not, I m… …
5whether or not — phrasal see whether or no …
6whether or not — adverb see whether or no …
7whether — 1. For the choice between if and whether, see if 2. 2. When the alternative to the whether clause is a simple negative, this can take several forms, but whether or not is now more usual than whether or no: • I brooded all the way whether or not I …
8whether — O.E. hwæðer, hweðer which of two, whether, from P.Gmc. *khwatharaz (Cf. O.S. hwedar, O.N. hvarr, Goth. huaþar, O.H.G. hwedar which of the two, Ger. weder neither ), from interrogative base *khwa who (see WHO (Cf …
9not proven — the verdict in a Scottish criminal trial that amounts to an acquittal but that is not the same as the verdict of not guilty. In the 17th century, practice developed such that the jury found facts alleged by the prosecution either proven or not… …
10not give something a second thought — (not) give (something) a second thought without a second thought if you do something without a second thought, you do it without thinking about whether or not you should. He d fire you if he had to he wouldn t give it a second thought …
