the use of whether

[manhhiep2509]

Hi.

"xxxx is encouraged, whether it be within the group or with outsiders"

(1) Is "be" correct?

(2) Is "whether" used correctly in the sentence?

I often see "whether" is used as a noun or an object.
Please elaborate more on the use of "whether".

Thank you.

[steven.jacob.kooker]

Whether is a conjunction, used to introduce alternatives (usually two or more, sometimes just one). Given what information you've provided, both 'whether' and 'be' appear to be used correctly. You could use 'is' in place of 'be' in this sentence, as both are different forms of the verb "to be," but it does not appear grammatically incorrect (unless 'xxxxx' is not a verb).

[RonPurewal]

Hi.

"xxxx is encouraged, whether it be within the group or with outsiders"

(1) Is "be" correct?

(2) Is "whether" used correctly in the sentence?

I often see "whether" is used as a noun or an object.
Please elaborate more on the use of "whether".

Thank you.

This usage is fine, although I don't think I've ever seen it (or anything like it) tested in a GMAC problem.

Where did you see this?

[manhhiep2509]

I found the use in a question of GMAT PREP. You can google "Ancient hunter-gatherers developed instincts" to see complete question.

By the way, thank you for your confirmation.

[jlucero]

I found the use in a question of GMAT PREP. You can google "Ancient hunter-gatherers developed instincts" to see complete question.

By the way, thank you for your confirmation.

Glad it helped. For future reference, any question about GMAT Prep questions should be posted in that forum, where you can post the full question. Too many times people will take a sentence and make so many small changes that the new sentence doesn't reflect GMAT Prep's usage.