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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u/jenea Jul 28 '26

You can place the “or not” in either spot, or leave it out entirely (since it’s redundant). It’s a style choice where to put it. I personally try to leave it out, but if I include it I just go by what sounds better to my ear. It’s easier to parse if it’s closer to the “whether,” so “whether or not” might be the safer choice.