Grammar is powerful. It can bring us together; tear us apart; make us laugh; make us cry; whether you love grammar, or not.
So, here’s the scoop:
Normally, “whether” requires “or not” in a sentence. True? I thought so!
But no surprise, there are exceptions depending on the structure. Oh great!
I found this well written blog posting which helps explain the exceptional circumstances where “whether” does not need to include “or not”.
However, to be honest … it really threw me wherein I read:
“…You’ll need or not, however, if your meaning is regardless of whether…”
Note: Bolding is our own.
You see, what they do not elaborate-on in the above is: if you literally say (or write) “regardless of whether”, then, this rule no longer applies.
Uhh … say that again; more slowly.
Ok. The rule is: if you mean to say “regardless of whether” then, yes, you need to include “or not” somewhere in the sentence.
But, if you not only mean to say but in fact say “regardless of whether” then … you do not need “or not” in the sentence.
You didn’t mean to say it … you said it!
Compare this: “Richie wanted to wear the green one, whether it had a gravy stain or not.”
… with this: “Richie wanted to wear the green one, regardless of whether it had a gravy stain.”
See … actually writing “regardless of” voids the need to add “or not”. Thus, an exception!
And on that bombshell … I shall conclude this musing, whether you agree …