whose number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whose number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the ownership or association of a number with a person or entity. Example: "I received a call from someone whose number I didn't recognize."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The guerrillas here, whose number was not known, sus.

The New York Times

She dials her lawyer, whose number she knows by heart.

The New Yorker

Mrs. Kennedy suggested Truman Capote, whose number was unlisted.

The New York Times

The random sample is every paper record whose number comes up.

University of California, Berkeley

A new leader was named whose number one goal was to improve the office's culture.

Harvard Business Review

In addition, there are "unofficial" settlements whose number is estimated variously from 80 to 100.

The New York Times

Until the off-season starts humming, Torre will not know whose number he needs.

The New York Times - Sports

Here, the executives answer to the Scott Trust, whose number includes … themselves.

The Guardian

I have a chiropodist whose number is stored in my phone as "Katherine Footwoman".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There has also been significant tension among the plaintiffs, whose number grew to eight this year.

The New York Times

Obama's heralded plan to "close" Guantánamo involves indefinite detention for that cadre, whose number remains undefined.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "whose number", ensure the context clearly indicates what type of number you are referring to (e.g., phone number, identification number, etc.) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid confusing "whose" (possessive) with "who's" (who is). "Whose number" indicates possession, while "who's number" is grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whose number" functions as a possessive determiner followed by a noun. It specifies ownership or association of a number with a person or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "whose number" is a grammatically correct and frequently used way to indicate possession or association of a number. As Ludwig AI states, it is usable in written English and readily understood. While it appears most often in news and media and scientific contexts, its neutral tone makes it appropriate for various settings. Remembering the distinction between "whose" and "who's" is crucial to avoiding common errors. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "whose number" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which person's number

Directly asks for the person associated with a specific number.

the number associated with

Focuses on the association of a number with a person or entity, rather than direct ownership.

the number belonging to whom

Rephrases using a more explicit and formal grammatical structure, clarifying ownership.

to whom does the number belong

Emphasizes the question of ownership of the number in a direct, interrogative form.

what number is assigned to

Directly questions the assignment of the number to a particular entity.

the number of which person

More literally specifies which person is associated with the number.

the numerical identifier of

Uses more formal terminology to denote the number's function as an identifier.

the digit sequence for

Focuses on the sequence of digits forming the number and its association.

the contact details of

Refers to number as a way to contact a person.

the figure pertaining to

This option suggests that the number relates to someone or something.

FAQs

How do I use "whose number" in a sentence?

Use "whose number" to indicate possession or association of a number with a person or thing. For example, "I found a card but I don't know "whose number" it is."

What is the difference between "whose number" and "who's number"?

"Whose number" indicates possession (e.g., "Whose number is this?"). "Who's number" is a grammatical error; the correct form is "whose number".

What are some alternatives to using "whose number"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the number belonging to whom", "the number associated with", or "which person's number" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "whose number" formal or informal language?

"Whose number" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality often depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation.