Learn Hardcore Japanese: sono tyousa ga tadasii ka douka, betu no houhou de kakuninsubeki desu. - We should verify by another method whether that survey is correct.

Structure: [plain clause] + かどうか
Examples:
- 雨が降るかどうか分かりません。 I don’t know whether it will rain.
- 本物かどうか確認します。 We’ll confirm whether it’s genuine.

Can I use 〜か instead of 〜かどうか here?

Often yes. With yes/no content, both are common:

正しいか確認する and 正しいかどうか確認する are both natural.
〜かどうか explicitly covers both possibilities (“whether or not”), and can sound a bit more formal/explicit.

Why is there no を after かどうか?

The clause その調査が正しいかどうか is fronted before the comma, functioning like a topicalized object. Japanese often omits を in this style. You can include it for a more neutral flow:

その調査が正しいかどうかを別の方法で確認すべきです。 Without を, it reads like: “As for whether that survey is correct, it should be confirmed by another method.”

Why is が used after 調査 instead of は?

Inside embedded questions (〜か/〜かどうか), が is the normal subject marker. Using は inside the embedded clause is unusual unless you want contrast or strong topicalization. Natural:

その調査が正しいかどうか (recommended) Marked/contrastive:
その調査は正しいかどうか (sounds contrastive/as-for-that-survey)

What’s the difference between 別の and 他の?

Both can mean “another/other,” but:

別の: specifically “different/distinct from the current one.” Emphasizes separateness.
他の: “other” more generally. In this sentence, 別の方法 stresses using a method different from the one already used. 他の方法 would also be fine in most contexts.

What does で after 方法 do?

で marks means/instrument: “by/with.” Here, 方法で = “by a method.”

メールで連絡する (contact by email)
英語で話す (speak in English) It’s not the location で here; it’s the instrumental で.

How strong is 〜すべき? Is するべき okay?

〜すべき means “should/ought to,” and can feel fairly strong or normative (editorial/policy tone).
するべき is widely used and understood, though many style guides prefer すべき.
Negative: 〜すべきではない (should not).
Past/regret: 〜すべきだった (should have).
Plain vs polite: 〜すべきだ (plain), 〜すべきです (polite).

Is the sentence too direct? How can I soften it?

〜すべきです can sound firm. Softer or differently nuanced options:

Advice: 確認したほうがいいです。
Suggestion: 確認しましょう。
Tentative opinion: 確認したほうがいいと思います。
Necessity/impersonal: 確認する必要があります。
Formal recommendation: 別の方法での確認が望ましいです。

Is 調査が正しい natural? Should it be 調査結果?

It depends on what you mean:

If you mean the survey’s outcome is correct: その調査結果が正しいかどうか is clearer.
If you mean the method/approach is appropriate: その調査方法が妥当かどうか / 適切かどうか.
調査が正しい can be understood as “the survey itself is proper/valid,” but in many contexts 結果 (results) or 方法 (method) is more precise.

What exactly does 確認する mean? Any synonyms?

確認する = check/confirm/verify (transitive; it takes an object).

Synonyms:
- 検証する: verify/validate (more rigorous, technical).
- 点検する: inspect (often physical/equipment).
- チェックする: check (casual). Choose based on formality and domain.

What’s the role of the comma after かどうか? Can I change the word order?

The comma marks a pause after fronting the object clause. Other natural orders:

その調査が正しいかどうかを、別の方法で確認すべきです。
別の方法で、その調査が正しいかどうか確認すべきです。 All are acceptable; choose for flow/emphasis.

Can I use 〜かどうかは?

Yes. You can topicalize the entire embedded question:

その調査が正しいかどうかは、別の方法で確認すべきです。 This reads: “As for whether it’s correct, that should be confirmed by another method.”

How do you pronounce the sentence?

Romanization: Sono chōsa ga tadashii ka dōka, betsu no hōhō de kakunin subeki desu. Key readings:

調査ちょうさ
正しい ただしい
別べつ
方法ほうほう
確認かくにん
すべき すべき

Why is the verb in nonpast form? Does it refer to the future?

Japanese nonpast covers present and future. With 〜べき, the nonpast expresses a recommendation/obligation that applies now/going forward. No explicit future form is needed.

Are there other natural ways to say “by another method”?

Yes:

別の手段で
ほかのやり方で (more casual)
別のアプローチで Very formal writing may use 別の方法により/によって, but 方法で is the most neutral and common here.