Usage of the particle "ли"

Question

Do I still have to use the particle "ли" if I already have "или"?

For example,

Он не сказал, будет ли он есть или нет. Vs. Он не сказал, будет он есть или нет.

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered Jul 20 '14 at 17:46

3

Basically, this is considered as superfluous, so the second («Он не сказал, будет он есть или нет») will do. However, if you don't have the «или нет» part, the «ли» is to be used:

Он не сказал, будет ли он есть.

answered Jul 20 '14 at 17:46

Andre Polykanine

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2
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1

While formally indeed superfluous, it's quite common. You are fine either way! – Felix Jul 21 '14 at 02:44

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Jul 21 '14 at 06:47

0

Your both examples is acceptable, however in Он не сказал, будет ли он есть или нет. или нет is redundant. ли is like whether which implies or not.

answered Jul 21 '14 at 06:47

iRet

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Usage of the particle "ли"

2 Answers2