Grammar:Whether or not
【明報專訊】Pat is trying to make a film. She is bossing the Smarties around. Is she a good director?
Pat: Come on Bill! You forget the lines again! Haven't you studied the script?
Bill: The story is too badly written! (1) I can't play it well no matter whether we do it again or not! Why don't you let MoMo try the role? She's a better actor than I am.
Pat: No way! MoMo does not suit that character well! (2) It is out of the question no matter whether she acts well or not.
Bill: Then you should rewrite it a bit to make it easier to understand!
Pat: This is my creation! Oh! You know nothing about art!◆
We use the phrase ''whether or not'' to talk about a decision regardless of other situations. A verb phrase is used after ''whether''.
e.g. Whether I have your help or not, I will finish the painting tonight.
She will find out the truth, no matter whether you tell her yourself or not.
■Gear up
Complete the sentences with your own ideas.
(1) No matter whether _______________, we will watch the movie on the first day.
(2) No matter whether _______________, the shop will not give you a refund.
(3) No matter whether _______________, vegetables are still good for your health.
(Suggested answers on next text)
■Glossary
script (n) 劇本
out of the question (phr) 不可能的
creation (n) 創作、作品
refund (n) 退款
[Smarties' Power English 第275期]