on whose life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on whose life" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone whose life is the subject of discussion or analysis, often in a literary or formal context. Example: "The novel is based on the life of a historical figure, on whose life many myths have been created."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A BBC drama on undercover policing has been branded "misleading and inauthentic" by one of the women on whose life story it is partly based.

The Guardian

Of course, it all depends on whose life it is.

The New York Times

The young woman on whose life the dialogue is based shakes her head in amazement at what her older partner has created.

The New York Times

He gave a speech to 1,700 high school students and watched a mock trial of Beaulah Annan, on whose life the musical "Chicago" was based.

The New York Times

Mr Aloni expressed support and admiration for Tamer Nafar, the Palestinian rapper on whose life his film is based, and who has also previously claimed Israel is a terrorist country.

Independent

Cuaron said the award and the festival were "incredibly important to me" and noted that the prize came on the birthday of the woman on whose life Roma is based.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Hundreds of millions revere the Himalayas, the Abode of Snow, as the source of sacred rivers, such as the Ganges, on whose life-giving waters they depend for their very existence.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

With 26 pages written, and a plot that turned on a woman whose life implodes, she began to dream of finding a publisher.

The New York Times

Thomas Mallon and Ayana Mathis on authors whose life stories should be told.

The New York Times

It's so sad the effort is wasted on someone whose life really doesn't need any more exploration, at least not in the superficial manner with which this movie treats it.

The Guardian

And where Soderbergh proceeds like a devoted history teacher, doing the research, showing the work, relying on authorities whose life experience is integral to the movie's very story, Shankman doesn't look to history at all; his is a present-tense story in which personal conflicts find their resolutions in the light of personal growth.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and register required by your audience. While grammatically correct, this phrase is more formal than alternatives like "based on someone's life" and might not be appropriate in all contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "on who's life," as "who's" is a contraction of "who is" or "who has," while "whose" is the possessive pronoun needed to indicate that the life belongs to the person being referred to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on whose life" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, indicating that something is based upon, influenced by, or related to a particular individual's life experiences. This usage is supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62.5%

Science

18.75%

Academia

9.375%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9.375%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on whose life" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to indicate that something is based upon or influenced by an individual's life. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's frequently used in formal contexts, particularly within News & Media and Academic writing. When using the phrase, remember to focus on using the possessive pronoun correctly (whose vs. who's) and ensure it aligns with the intended tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on somebody's life

Focuses on the foundation or inspiration drawn from a person's experiences, rather than the possessive relationship.

about whose life

Highlights the subject matter concerning an individual's biography or story.

concerning whose life

Emphasizes the topic or subject under consideration regarding an individual's experiences.

regarding whose life

Indicates a specific focus on the details or events within a person's lifetime.

in relation to whose life

Highlights the connection or relevance to a particular person's journey or existence.

depending on whose life

Shifts the emphasis to contingency, where outcomes are conditional based on the individual.

influenced by whose life

Highlights the impact or sway that a person's experiences have had.

centered on whose life

Focuses on the core subject matter directly involving an individual's existence.

revolving around whose life

Highlights that something encompasses or is primarily about a person's experiences.

with respect to whose life

Adds a nuance of consideration or acknowledgment towards an individual's background.

FAQs

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

Use "on whose life" to specify that a narrative, film, or piece of art is based upon or heavily influenced by a particular person's lived experiences. For example, "The movie is a biographical drama "on whose life" the plot heavily relies".

What are some alternatives to "on whose life"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "on whose life" include "based on somebody's life", "about whose life", or "concerning whose life". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "on whose life" or "whose life is it based on"?

"On whose life" is a more formal and literary construction. "Whose life is it based on" is more conversational. The better choice depends on the tone and audience of your writing.

When should I use "on whose life" instead of "about someone's life"?

Use "on whose life" when emphasizing the possessive relationship and influence. Use "about someone's life" for a more general reference or description.