a life whose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a life whose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a life that is characterized by a specific quality or attribute, often followed by a noun or clause that elaborates on that quality. Example: "She lived a life whose beauty was evident in every moment she cherished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Bailey and Cratchit are both "the working poor", dedicated to a life whose rewards are other than material.

The Guardian - Film

Godard offered his visual and verbal images as delusive counterfeits for a life whose meaning has become irretrievably lost or perhaps was always intrinsically absurd.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Jimmy Gambino's death marked the end of a life whose contours reflect some of the best and the worst of the neighborhood that defined him.

The New York Times

Slowly, the book moves towards what happens when a life whose sole aim is sporting victory is thwarted – and it's not pretty.

The Guardian - Books

We question whether all the accumulated facts reconstruct a life whose details are all consistent and compatible — not only date-wise but also culturally, religiously, politically, educationally and personality-wise.

The New York Times

A baseline expectation has to be to behave like a compassionate adult, accepting that your relationship choices have led to you inheriting a degree of responsibility for a life whose existence in yours wasn't directly chosen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

She lives a double life whose parallel tracks converge in a surprise ending.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mauldin is an unlikely hero, born in New Mexico's Sacramento Mountains to a hardscrabble life whose pathos could've been rendered inside the lines of its own serialized frames.

The New Yorker

Signe Hasso, the Swedish-born star of the 1947 drama "A Double Life," whose stage and screen career spanned nine decades, died here on Friday.

The New York Times - Arts

Above all, Cocteau was an artist of life whose presence was like a magnetic field that made his surroundings his reflection.

The New Yorker

The value of a year of life whose quality is reduced by poor health might be represented by a value less than 1.00 [ 47].

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a life whose" to add a touch of formality and sophistication to your writing, particularly when describing the impact or legacy of an individual.

Common error

Avoid using "a life whose" in very casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a life that" or "a life with" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a life whose" functions as a possessive determiner modifying the noun "life". It introduces a relative clause that describes a defining characteristic or quality of that life. As Ludwig AI reports, it is correct to use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a life whose" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to describe a life possessing specific characteristics or qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests that it is suitable for use in various writing contexts, particularly in news and media. While simpler alternatives exist, "a life whose" adds a touch of formality and sophistication. It is crucial to consider the context and audience when choosing between "a life whose" and its simpler counterparts. The phrase is found frequently in news sources, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, but is used sparingly in formal/business, wiki and reference. The most authoritative sources that leverage the expression are The New York Times, The Guardian and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a life that

This is a more common and simpler substitute, replacing the possessive "whose" with a relative pronoun.

a life defined by

This alternative emphasizes the defining characteristics of the life in question.

a life characterized by

Similar to "defined by", but with a slightly more formal tone.

a life marked by

Highlights the significant events or traits that leave a lasting impression on the life.

a life with

A more direct way of indicating attributes or experiences associated with a life.

a life filled with

Emphasizes abundance or richness in the experiences of the life.

a life shaped by

Focuses on the influences that mold and form the course of a life.

a life dedicated to

Highlights the purpose or mission to which a life is committed.

the story of someone's life

A more narrative approach, suggesting a full account of a person's experiences.

the biography of someone's life

Similar to "the story of someone's life", but slightly more formal.

FAQs

How can I use "a life whose" in a sentence?

Use "a life whose" to describe someone's life characterized by a specific attribute or quality. For example: "He lived "a life whose" purpose was to help others".

What's a simpler way to say "a life whose"?

You can use phrases like "a life that" or "a life with" as simpler alternatives to "a life whose".

Is "a life whose" formal or informal?

"A life whose" tends to be more formal than alternatives like "a life that". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing the appropriate phrase.

What is the difference between "a life whose" and "a life that"?

While both phrases can be used to describe a life, "a life whose" often implies a deeper connection or inherent quality, whereas "a life that" is more general and descriptive.