whose it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whose it is" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct form would be "whose is it." Example: "I found a book on the table, but I don't know whose is it."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It is here that a church that knows who it is and whose it is ought to be able to feel the stirrings of its distinctive identity, calling and mission.

Huffington Post

"Nobody knows whose it is".

The New Yorker

It is impossible to estab lish where this opinion exists and whose it is.

The New York Times

During the encoding phase, the subject is asked to associate the item of the semantic category whose it is part.

Journal de Réadaptation Médicale : Pratique et Formation en Médecine Physique et de Réadaptation

If it isn't our country, I'd like to know whose it is!

The Guardian - Books

By now lots of listeners recognized that robotic falsetto instantly, even if they couldn't tell you whose it is.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

It wasn't important whose it was.

The Guardian - Sport

I can't remember whose it was.

The Guardian - Arts

"Maybe we can find out whose it was".

The New Yorker

No matter whose fault it is.

The Economist

I wonder whose grave it is.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking about ownership, use the grammatically correct form "Whose is it?" This avoids confusion and ensures clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "whose it is" as it's grammatically incorrect. Always ensure the verb 'is' follows 'whose' to form a proper question about possession, i.e., "Whose is it?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whose it is" functions as an interrogative intended to inquire about ownership or origin. Despite its common usage, it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI indicates this phrasing does not follow standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "whose it is" appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media, it's essential to note that it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI flags it as non-standard, recommending the correct form, "whose is it?" For clarity and grammatical accuracy, it is advisable to use alternatives such as "to whom does it belong" or "who owns it", especially in formal settings. While "whose it is" might be understood, using grammatically correct alternatives enhances communication and professionalism. Always prioritize accuracy over common but incorrect usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Whose is it?

Corrects the grammatical error by placing the verb "is" after "whose".

Who owns it?

A direct and simple way to inquire about ownership.

To whom does it belong?

Uses a more formal and grammatically correct way to ask about ownership.

Who is the owner of this?

A more descriptive way of asking about ownership.

Whose possession is it?

Uses the noun "possession" to specify ownership.

Whose property is this?

Specifies the object in question as "property".

Can you tell me who this belongs to?

A polite and indirect way to ask about ownership.

I wonder who it belongs to?

Expresses curiosity about the owner in a thoughtful way.

From whom did this originate?

Focuses on the origin or source rather than ownership.

Who is responsible for this?

Shifts the focus to responsibility rather than strict ownership.

FAQs

What is the correct way to ask about ownership using "whose"?

The correct way to ask about ownership using "whose" is "Whose is it?". The phrase "whose it is" is grammatically incorrect.

What can I say instead of "whose it is"?

Instead of "whose it is", you can use alternatives like "whose is it", "to whom does it belong", or "who owns it".

Is "whose it is" grammatically correct?

No, "whose it is" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "whose is it".

What's the difference between "whose it is" and "whose is it"?

"Whose it is" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. "Whose is it" is the correct way to ask about ownership.