Choose the correct version of the given sentence from the options below:
Nobody in the hostel knew whether the mess would serve paneer nor rajma on Sunday.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Nobody in the hostel knew whether the mess would serve paneer or rajma on Sunday.
“Whether” is paired with “or”:
- The given sentence says “whether ... nor”. This is wrong.
- “Nor” goes with “neither”. When two choices are given, “whether” goes with “or”, so the sentence needs whether ... paneer or rajma.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Nobody in the hostel knew whether the mess would serve paneer either rajma on Sunday. — Incorrect. The option says “whether ... either”. “Either” cannot be the partner of “whether”.
Option 2: Nobody in the hostel knew either the mess would serve paneer or rajma on Sunday. — Incorrect. The option says “knew either”. After “knew”, a choice between two things is brought in by “whether”, not “either”.
Option 3: Nobody in the hostel knew whether if the mess would serve paneer or rajma on Sunday. — Incorrect. The option says “whether if”. “Whether” and “if” are not used together. One of them is enough.