for whose benefit is this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for whose benefit is this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when questioning the purpose or advantage of something, particularly in discussions about policies, decisions, or actions. Example: "Before we proceed with the new policy, we must ask ourselves, for whose benefit is this?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Castles (2011, Castles and Wise 2007) point out that in discussing the theoretical and conceptual basis of migration and development, several questions should be raised: for whose benefit is this migration and development agenda, for the state or the migrants?

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But for whose benefit was this glamour, I wonder.

The New York Times

This involves asking two fundamental questions: first, what is the purpose of gene sequencing; second, for whose benefit was the sequencing undertaken.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

These questions include: what is the purpose of the research, for whose benefit was the research undertaken, does a primary stakeholder's request fit within the goals of the research, when might the researchers be ready to act on the request, and how should the researchers go about fulfilling the request.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Again and again, the same question is being asked: who holds the power and for whose benefit is it used?

The Guardian - Books

Just whose English is being taught, and for whose benefit, is one of the many questions being grappled with by researchers around the world under the applied linguistics banner of Tesol - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

The Guardian

For whose benefit is it to be managed?

Huffington Post

First of all, we have to think, For whose benefit are we sending this message?

The New Yorker

Reflecting on the criticism and the vilification, he says, "You hear things like that and say, 'Fuck, for whose benefit am I carrying this burden?' " At the same time, he wonders whether his Arab critics are right.

The New Yorker

For whose benefit was that?" Deep inside the stadium, in the home dressing-room, each coach gets to work.

BBC

We're talking about drugs whose costs have been paid for and whose benefits are needed by real people right now.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for whose benefit is this" to critically examine the motivations and outcomes of policies, decisions, or actions, especially when questioning potential biases or unintended consequences.

Common error

Avoid confusing "whose" (possessive) with "who's" (who is). "For whose benefit is this" correctly uses "whose" to inquire about the beneficiary.

Linguistic Context

Interrogative Phrase: The phrase "for whose benefit is this" functions as an interrogative phrase, typically used to question the motivation or intended outcome of a particular action, policy, or decision. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for whose benefit is this" is a grammatically correct interrogative phrase used to critically analyze the beneficiaries of actions, policies, or decisions. As noted by Ludwig, it's a valid and usable expression in English. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various contexts, including news, academic, and scientific domains. When using this phrase, ensure you're employing "whose" (possessive) correctly and not confusing it with "who's" (who is). Consider using simpler alternatives like "who benefits from this" in more informal settings. By prompting reflection on motivations and potential biases, this phrase encourages a deeper understanding of the forces at play.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for whose advantage is this

Replaces "benefit" with "advantage", maintaining a similar meaning but with a slightly different nuance.

who does this serve

Focuses on the recipient of the action or decision, simplifying the interrogative structure.

for whom is this intended

Focuses on the intended recipient or audience.

who profits from this

Highlights the gain or advantage obtained, often with a financial connotation.

for whom is this designed

Focuses on the intended user or beneficiary of a designed item or process.

who stands to gain from this

Emphasizes the potential for someone to gain, implying a more active role.

what is the purpose of this

Shifts the focus to the intention behind the action or decision.

what is the rationale behind this

Explores the reasoning or justification for something.

what is the objective of this

Highlights the specific goal or aim.

who is the target audience for this

Specifically asks about the intended demographic.

FAQs

How can I use "for whose benefit is this" in a sentence?

This phrase is typically used as a question to challenge or analyze the beneficiaries of a particular action, policy, or decision. For example: "The new regulations are being implemented, but "for whose benefit is this"?"

What's a simpler way to ask "for whose benefit is this"?

You can use phrases like "who benefits from this", "who does this serve" or "who profits from this" to convey a similar meaning in a more straightforward manner.

Is "for whose benefit is this" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "for whose benefit is this" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, though it leans slightly towards formal due to the use of "whose". In informal settings, you might prefer alternatives like "who benefits from this".

What's the difference between "for whose benefit is this" and "what is the purpose of this"?

"For whose benefit is this" questions the intended recipients of an advantage or positive outcome. "What is the purpose of this", on the other hand, inquires about the overall goal or intention behind an action, regardless of who benefits.