Whether or Not

[AmmuS624]

Hi,

I have one question regarding usage of WHETHER OR NOT.
Is whether or not in the same sentence always wrong on GMAT.

Regards,
Ammu

[RonPurewal]

Hi,

I have one question regarding usage of WHETHER OR NOT.
Is whether or not in the same sentence always wrong on GMAT.

Regards,
Ammu

If "whether or not" appears in a context in which "whether" is appropriate, then "...or not" is redundant.

When making admissions decisions, school officials do not know whether or not applicants will require financial aid. (redundant)
When making admissions decisions, school officials do not know whether applicants will require financial aid. (not redundant)

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Because the test is multiple-choice, this guideline should be good enough.

[RonPurewal]

It's possible for "whether or not" to be acceptable, if it appears in a sentence that's exclusively considering both the "yes" situation and the "no" situation.

Whether we actually move or not, I am still going to get rid of this furniture.

In practice, though, formal writing is more likely to use alternatives, e.g., "Regardless of whether we actually move..."

[AmmuS624]

It's possible for "whether or not" to be acceptable, if it appears in a sentence that's exclusively considering both the "yes" situation and the "no" situation.

Whether we actually move or not, I am still going to get rid of this furniture.

In practice, though, formal writing is more likely to use alternatives, e.g., "Regardless of whether we actually move..."

Thank You Ron.

[RonPurewal]

You're welcome.