at whose expense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at whose expense" is correct and usable in written English.
This expression is typically used to indicate that something is being offered at the expense of someone else, often referring to a financial cost. For example: "The political party held a lavish dinner, paid for at whose expense remains unknown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

But at whose expense?

The New York Times - Books

At whose expense?

The New York Times - Sports

But at whose expense domestically?

The New York Times

"At whose expense?" At the state's expense.

The Guardian - Music

Was it a joke, and if so, at whose expense?

The Guardian - Arts

And Kevin Burdette is stentorian as General Boum, at whose expense Fritz is promoted.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

THOSE whose expense accounts don't extend to nights at London's smartest hotels should still consider sampling the atmosphere in their bars.

The Economist

"In the 1970s," Gornick recalls, "women in their 20s and 30s knew what he meant, at whose permanent expense 'feeling alive' was to be had.

The Guardian - Books

Yes, at whose funeral?

Independent

But at whose home?

The New Yorker

But as investors grow increasingly savvy, funds of funds - whose added expenses can eat away at performance - are losing favor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at whose expense", ensure it's clear who is benefiting and who is bearing the cost or negative consequences. Providing specific details adds clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "at whose expense" without clearly specifying who is being negatively impacted. Lack of clarity can weaken your argument and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at whose expense" functions as an interrogative prepositional phrase, typically used to question the beneficiaries and the associated costs or negative consequences of a particular action, decision, or outcome. It draws attention to potential inequities or hidden sacrifices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at whose expense" serves as a critical lens, prompting us to examine the distribution of benefits and burdens. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media, it encourages a deeper look into the potential downsides and inequities associated with various actions and decisions. Consider using alternatives like "at whose cost" or "at whose detriment" for nuanced emphasis. Remember to clearly identify both the beneficiaries and those bearing the cost to avoid ambiguity and maximize the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at whose cost

Replaces "expense" with "cost", emphasizing the financial or detrimental aspect.

at whose detriment

Uses "detriment" to highlight the harm or disadvantage caused to someone.

at whose sacrifice

Emphasizes the act of giving up something valuable for the benefit of another.

at whose disadvantage

Focuses on the unfair or unfavorable position created for someone.

at the expense of whom

Inverts the phrase structure while maintaining the core meaning.

who bears the burden

Shifts the focus to the person or entity carrying the negative consequences.

who pays the price

Highlights the negative consequences and the person or entity suffering them.

on whose shoulders

Implies that someone is carrying a heavy burden or responsibility.

at the hand of whom

Focuses on the agent causing the expense or detriment.

whose loss is it

Highlights the loss experienced by someone as a result of another's gain.

FAQs

How can I use "at whose expense" in a sentence?

Use "at whose expense" to question the beneficiaries and the ones bearing the cost of an action or situation. For example: "The company's profits soared, but "at whose expense" were these gains achieved?"

What's a formal alternative to "at whose expense"?

In formal contexts, consider using "at whose cost" or "at whose detriment" as alternatives to ""at whose expense"". These options maintain a similar meaning while sounding more sophisticated.

Is "at whose expense" grammatically correct?

Yes, ""at whose expense"" is grammatically sound. It functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a question about the cost or negative impact associated with a particular benefit or outcome.

What is the difference between "at whose expense" and "at whose cost"?

"At whose expense" is a general phrase questioning who bears a loss or sacrifice, while "at whose cost" specifically refers to the financial burden or economic impact on someone.