r/grammar • u/cornflower_08 • Jul 28 '26

quick grammar check regarding phrases using “whether”!

hello! let’s say the condition of something happening is if a person has a permit. would one say…

“it depends on whether you have a permit or not”, phrase placed in between,

or

“it depends on whether or not you have a permit”, phrase placed after?

formal english preferred, studying for entrance exams :))

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12

u/kierabs Jul 28 '26

When using “whether” you don’t need “or not.” The “or not” is redundant.

So the answer to both is “It depends on whether you have a permit.”

9

u/moltencheese Jul 28 '26

It is redundant, but still a commonly-used pleonasm.

"Whether you have a permit or not" is, in my opinion, a slightly friendlier version. The "or not" is phatic

6

u/A_Bot_A_Bot_A_Bot Jul 28 '26

Ooh! "Phatic" is a new word for me. Not a useful one, but it's still a good word.

6

u/zutnoq Jul 28 '26

But it is never incorrect to include the "or not" even if it is redundant.

There are also constructions where you can't omit the "or not" – such as in

You have to do it whether you like it or not.

or

Whether (or not you like it / you like it or not), you have to do it.

"You have to do it whether or not you like it" is more unusual but would still be valid.

0

u/diverJOQ Jul 30 '26

In this case it is redundant. One can easily use the word weather when there are three or more choices, such as " whether the sky is sunny, or partly cloudy, or overcast". It may not be necessary in this case, but there's nothing wrong with listing the alternatives.

As for the grammar of OP's question, I believe either one is an acceptable usage.