Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Yukineko]

Hello teachers. Could you help me?

1. He asked her whether she had come here by bus or by bike.
2. He asked her if she had come here by bus or by bike.

I've heard #1 is correct but #2 is awkward. Is it true?
What do you think? If so, could you tell me why #2 is awkward?

Thanks in advance.
Yukineko

[2006]

To me, both of them are awkward because of the use of perfect tense.

Aside from that, I agree that "whether" is a better choice for alternatives, although many native speakers will say "if".

He asked her whether she came here by bus or by bike.

[Lorikeet]

They both sound okay to me, as you might figure.