##  [“Whether” or “whether or not”: Do you know the rule?](/en/quiz/whether-or-not-do-you-know-the-rule-eng)

Do the words **or not** always follow the conjunction **whether**? Here's the rule: When the clause beginning with **whether** is acting as a sentence adverb modifying the main clause, it must express two possibilities: **Whether I **go or stay home**, you can attend**.

If only one possibility is stated, include **or not** as the second possibility: **Whether I **go or not**, you can attend**; **Whether **or not** I **go**, you can attend**. (Tip: In this case, **whether or not** is equivalent to **regardless of whether**.)

In all other cases, **or not** is either incorrect or unnecessary and can be omitted. Now that you know the rule, you can decide when to omit the words **or not** in the sentences below.

1. I don't know ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) I can support John's suggestion.whether

whether or not

2. ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) Virginia takes the bus or cycles to work, her commute will take one hour.whether

whether or not

3. ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) Virginia cycles to work, her commute will take one hour.whether

whether or not

4. We have to talk about ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) we can afford this purchase.whether

whether or not

5. That child is eating whatever I make for supper, ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) she likes it.whether

whether or not

6. Masha can't decide ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) she should go to the party.whether

whether or not

7. ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) Grigor can win the election is the question.whether

whether or not

8. Michael plans to start university ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) his mother agrees.whether

whether or not