whose scope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whose scope" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the extent or range of a particular thing. For example, "We must consider the ramifications of the law, whose scope is wide-reaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A recent (leaked) White House memo described the reform project as one whose "scope and scale...are hard to overestimate".

The Economist

It begins the season with movies whose star is big — Buster Keaton — but whose scope and scares are comfortably small.

The New York Times - Arts

"Brief Encounter," whose scope is extremely narrow, is perhaps the closest this filmmaker ever came to perfection.

The New York Times

In an exhibition whose scope is so vast, the principal underlying concepts are obviously diversity and variety.

The New York Times - Arts

We might say that Murray's Catholic faith serves as a mythology whose scope he sees as requiring no adjustment.

The Guardian - Books

Separate studies, whose scope often extended beyond Rembrandt, were devoted to different aspects of 17th-century workshop practices and to associated theoretical conceptions of the time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A most unusual book indeed; one whose scope goes far beyond the theatre, though it is a landmark in writing about the life of the stage.

The Guardian

Rodney, he concludes, is not just a friend, but a "symbol whose scope not even I myself could entirely define, a dark or radiant symbol".

The New York Times - Books

A new offence has been created of "advocating terrorism" (s. 80.2C, Criminal Code), an imprecise crime whose scope may cover, for example, opposing the Assad regime in Syria.

The Guardian

With its carnage and moral confusions war is a subject whose scope is difficult to encompass even by journalists on the ground writing daily dispatches.

The New York Times

In March 2007, a year before mortgage bets felled Bear Stearns, Mr. Whalen said at a conference in Washington that subprime home loans posed a threat whose scope was "almost unknowable".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "whose scope", ensure the noun it modifies is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "the project whose scope is large", specify "the project's scope, which is large" or "the scope of the project is large".

Common error

Avoid limiting your analysis of "whose scope" to just size. "Scope" also encompasses depth, complexity, and influence. For instance, a project might have a narrow scope (limited objectives) but a profound impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whose scope" functions as a possessive determiner followed by a noun. It modifies a noun, indicating the extent or range belonging to the noun. Ludwig AI examples illustrate this in various contexts, such as "a film "whose scope" and intelligence were so formidable..."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whose scope" is a versatile phrase used to define the extent or range of a noun. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse fields, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources. When writing with this phrase, ensure clarity by precisely defining the noun it modifies and consider its implications for depth, complexity, and influence, not just size. Remember, while "whose scope" often enhances conciseness, there are instances where rephrasing for added clarity might be required, particularly in complex sentences. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "whose scope" to add precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the extent of which

This alternative replaces the possessive pronoun "whose" with "the extent of which", shifting the structure slightly but maintaining a similar meaning related to range or magnitude.

the range of which

Using "the range of which" offers a direct synonym for "scope", emphasizing the breadth or limits of something.

the breadth of which

"Breadth" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the extent being discussed, similar to "scope".

the limits of which

This alternative focuses on the boundaries or restrictions of something, providing a more restrictive sense of "scope".

the parameters of which

"Parameters" suggests well-defined boundaries or characteristics, similar to a specific interpretation of "scope".

the magnitude of which

"Magnitude" implies the size or importance of something, which is a related but not identical aspect of "scope".

the degree to which

This phrase focuses on the level or intensity of something, offering a slightly different perspective than "scope".

the dimension of which

"Dimension" suggests a particular aspect or facet of something, relating to the scope but more specific.

the compass of which

"Compass" signifies the reach or extent of something, an older-fashioned synonym for scope.

the sphere of which

"Sphere" refers to the area or domain of something, relating to the range of influence or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "whose scope" in a sentence?

Use "whose scope" to indicate the extent or range of something belonging to a previously mentioned noun. For example, "The law, "whose scope" includes digital privacy, is under review."

What are some alternatives to using "whose scope"?

Alternatives include "the extent of which", "the range of which", or rephrasing the sentence for clarity. For example, instead of "a program "whose scope" is limited", you could say "a program with a limited scope".

Is it better to use "whose scope" or "which has a scope"?

"Whose scope" is often more concise and stylistically preferable in formal writing. However, "which has a scope" may be clearer in complex sentences where the relationship between the phrases is not immediately obvious.

What's the difference between "scope" and "extent" when using "whose"?

"Scope" generally refers to the breadth or range of a subject or activity, while "extent" refers to the size or degree to which something reaches. You might describe a project "whose scope" includes international markets, or a problem "whose extent" is unknown.