on whose side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on whose side" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing allegiances, opinions, or positions in a debate or conflict. Example: "In the ongoing debate about climate change, it's important to consider on whose side the scientists stand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

The question is on whose side?

The New York Times

But the question it raises is on whose side?

The Guardian - Opinion

On whose side, in defense of what — all that seems beside the point.

The New Yorker

The timing could not have been worse – or better, depending on whose side you are on.

The Guardian

So no wonder would-be jihadis get confused about who is on whose side.

The Guardian - Opinion

– depends a lot on whose side is doing the crony recruitment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

In fact, the pickup is only a modern version of the carretti siciliani, or Sicilian donkey carts, on whose sides, wheels and axles have been immortalized for centuries these same chivalrous figures amid rousing scenes of their heroic battles.

The New York Times - Travel

As the world asks, "Whither Turkey, what's going on over there, whose side are they on?" the picture grows ever more confused.

Forbes

"We want to do well in this competition and we want to push on," added Tully, whose side were 2-0 up after 17 minutes thanks to goals from Craig Diff and Matt Wright.

BBC

The Magpies lost 4-0 to Southampton on Saturday to add to the pressure on Pardew, whose side are now bottom of the Premier League.

BBC

However the hosts fell apart in the latter stages to increase the pressure on McCarthy, whose side have slipped into the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference after a run of just one win in 11 matches.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "on whose side", ensure the context clearly indicates the conflicting parties or viewpoints being referenced. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens your argument or narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "on whose side" in situations where there isn't a clear division or conflict. This phrase implies a binary choice, and using it in a neutral or collaborative setting can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on whose side" functions as an interrogative prepositional phrase. Ludwig AI shows it's used to inquire about allegiance, support, or alignment in situations involving conflict or differing opinions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on whose side" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to question allegiance or support in a conflict or debate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively elicits information about loyalties. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in academic and formal contexts. While phrases like "which side are you on" are more direct, "on whose side" provides a nuanced way to explore deeper affiliations. When employing this phrase, ensure a clear context to avoid ambiguity. The phrase’s prevalence across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which side are they on

Focuses more directly on the team or faction someone supports.

whose team are you on

Emphasizes team membership and support.

in whose camp do they fall

A more metaphorical and formal way of asking about allegiance.

with whom do they align

Highlights the act of aligning oneself with a particular group or cause.

whose interests do they serve

Shifts the focus to the beneficiaries of someone's actions or decisions.

what position do they take

Focuses on the stance or viewpoint adopted in a particular situation.

what are their loyalties

Examines where someone's primary allegiances lie.

which faction do they support

Highlights active support for a particular faction or group.

where do their sympathies lie

Focuses on emotional alignment or support.

who do they stand with

Emphasizes solidarity and support for a particular individual or group.

FAQs

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

You can use "on whose side" to inquire about allegiance or support, such as "It's unclear "on whose side" the government is in this conflict".

What's a more formal alternative to "on whose side"?

A more formal alternative could be "in whose interest", which focuses on the beneficiaries of an action or decision.

Is it correct to say "which side are you on" instead of "on whose side are you"?

Yes, "which side are you on" is a more direct and commonly used alternative to ""on whose side" are you", particularly in informal contexts.

How does "on whose side" differ from "whose team are you on"?

"Whose team are you on" is more specific to team affiliations, while ""on whose side"" can refer to broader alliances, viewpoints, or loyalties in any situation.