on whose asking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on whose asking" is not commonly used in modern written English and may sound awkward or outdated.
It can be used in contexts where you want to refer to someone who has made a request or inquiry, often in a formal or literary style. Example: "The committee convened on whose asking the proposal was submitted for review."

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the question "on whose terms?" is one they would rather not ask.

The Guardian - Opinion

The individual writer is both a person, on whose behalf we ask for mercy and justice, and also a symbol.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ragù — a thick sauce of minced vegetables, meat, tomato paste, wine and, depending on whose grandmother you ask, tomatoes — has long been a staple of the Italian kitchen, where it's generally known as Sunday sauce.

The New York Times - Magazine

Follow up questions like what was actually done, by whom it was done and on whose initiative were asked to gather information concerning the FP's experience of collaboration.

BMC Family Practice

As people turned to see what was going on, he asked, "Whose dog is this?" He had a foreign accent.

Vice

Based on whose opinion, you might ask?

Huffington Post

The intervention by the Council of Europe is a significant boost for Miranda, whose lawyers will on Thursday ask the high court for an interim injunction to prevent the police or government using, copying or sharing any of the data they may have taken from his laptop, phone and other electronic equipment they seized at Heathrow.

The Guardian

"On whose orders were you operating?" Mr. Rodriguez asked.

The New York Times

The situation appeared so dire earlier on Thursday that President Barack Obama, on whose transition team Smith served, was asked if he would intervene.

The New York Times - Sports

Her letter, seen by The Independent, raises doubts over the legality of the police's approach and asks Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe on whose authority the officers acted.

Independent

When Yaraneth, 16, asked a woman on whose door she had knocked about Mr. Penzone, the woman replied, "I don't know much about him".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "at whose request" or "on whose authority" for clarity and modern style. While "on whose asking" is grammatically correct, it may sound formal or outdated.

Common error

Avoid using "on whose asking" in casual or informal writing. It can create an overly formal or stilted tone that is out of place in everyday communication. Opt for simpler alternatives when the context allows.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on whose asking" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by indicating the person or entity who initiated a request or inquiry. While grammatically sound, Ludwig AI highlights it as somewhat outdated.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on whose asking" is grammatically correct but considered somewhat outdated and rare in contemporary English. As noted by Ludwig AI, it can be used to attribute the initiation of an action to a specific person or entity, but simpler and more common alternatives like "at whose request" or "upon whose inquiry" are often preferred. Given its formality and infrequent use, writers should exercise caution and consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended tone. While acceptable, its stylistic implications make it a less versatile choice in modern writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at whose request

This alternative directly replaces "on whose asking" with a more common and straightforward phrase indicating the source of a request.

upon whose inquiry

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the act of making an inquiry rather than a direct request.

by whose invitation

This specifies that something is happening due to someone's invitation.

on whose authority

This alternative focuses on the authorization or permission granted by someone.

on whose recommendation

This alternative highlights that something is based on someone's recommendation or suggestion.

according to whose instructions

This phrase specifies that actions are being carried out following someone's specific directions.

based on whose advice

This highlights that a decision or action is based on someone's counsel.

due to whose urging

This emphasizes that something is happening because someone strongly encouraged or pushed for it.

per whose direction

This phrase indicates that actions are being carried out following someone's orders or guidance.

at whose instigation

This alternative is more formal and suggests that someone initiated or prompted the action.

FAQs

What does "on whose asking" mean?

The phrase "on whose asking" means at whose request or inquiry. It indicates that something is happening because someone asked or requested it.

Is "on whose asking" grammatically correct?

Yes, "on whose asking" is grammatically correct, although it is not a commonly used phrase in modern English. It can sound formal or outdated. Consider alternatives like "at whose request" or "upon whose inquiry".

What are some alternatives to "on whose asking"?

Some alternatives to "on whose asking" include "at whose request", "upon whose inquiry", "by whose invitation", and "on whose authority". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How can I use "on whose asking" in a sentence?

You can use "on whose asking" in a sentence to indicate who initiated a request. For example: "The committee convened on whose asking the proposal was submitted for review."