LANGUAGE SECTION

The question as to whether

Problem

The expression the question as to whether is wordy.

Solution

To write plainly and concisely, opt for whether instead.

Examples

The following table shows a more concise usage to replace the question as to whether.

Wordy	Concise
The question as to whether there is a surplus remains a hotly debated topic.	Whether there is a surplus remains a hotly debated topic.
The members will vote on the question as to whether they should strike.	The members will vote on whether they should strike.

The content of the Linguistic Section has been taken from the Translation Bureau’s linguistic tools. Visit the Bureau's Web site (translationbureau.gc.ca) to discover new linguistic tips monthly.

The content of this section has been tailored specifically for English or French and covers the different rules of grammar, syntax, style and usage of each language. Read the tip for French!

Begin, commence, start

Begin is the more general term; commence is more formal; and start usually applies to physical motion.

• Until I can start my car, I cannot begin to finish my chores.
• The meeting will begin at 8:30 exactly.
• The ceremony will commence promptly at 11 a.m.
• My course in Canadian history begins (or starts) on Tuesday, May 15.
• Some people say the world began with a big bang.
• Do not begin writing until the bell rings.
• Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!

The content of the Linguistic Section has been taken from the Translation Bureau’s linguistic tools. Visit the Bureau's Web site (translationbureau.gc.ca) to discover new linguistic tips monthly.

The content of this section has been tailored specifically for English or French and covers the different rules of grammar, syntax, style and usage of each language. Read the tip for French!