whose turn is it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whose turn is it" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used in spoken and written language to inquire about who is next in line to do something or participate in an activity. Example: "Whose turn is it to do the dishes tonight?" or "I'm not sure, whose turn is it to present the project in class?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The question remains: whose turn is it to say, "Keep the change"?

The New York Times

It's the question we all fear after a gut-busting Sunday roast; whose turn is it to tackle the mound of dishes festering in the sink?

Independent

Some who go this route contend that separate spaces not only reduce friction in a relationship but keep it lively, even sizzly, freed from such mundane concerns as whose turn is it to empty the dishwasher and by the way, did anyone pay the rent?

The New York Times

"Brush your teeth, make your bed, put your clothes in the laundry, whose turn is it to set the table?

Huffington Post

"Right, whose turn is it to make the tea?" - Translation: It's certainly not my turn to make the tea.

Vice

At the end of your party, jokingly ask, "okay, whose turn is it to throw the next one?".

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

For those with friends who argue about whose turn it is to be designated driver, there are plenty of winery tour buses, cabs or people willing to chauffeur you around.

WikiHow

No cards that have been traded once may be traded again - once a bean has been traded it must be planted in the field of the person it has been traded with. 5. Trading ends whenever the player whose turn it is decides it should.

WikiHow

Another house keeping matter that a lot of people seem to fight over is whose turn it is to take out the trash.

Huffington Post

That, I reject, because democracy isn't supposed to be about whose turn it is".

The New York Times

Stalemate - the player whose turn it is to move is not in check, but has no legal move.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "whose turn is it", ensure the context clearly establishes what activity or task the 'turn' refers to. For instance, specify, "Whose turn is it to wash the dishes?".

Common error

A common mistake is using "who's" (who is) instead of "whose" (possessive). "Whose turn is it?" correctly asks about possession of the turn, while "who's turn is it?" is grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whose turn is it" serves primarily as an interrogative phrase. It is used to elicit information about who is next in a sequence or rotation. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase's grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whose turn is it" is a grammatically correct and commonly used interrogative phrase for inquiring about the next person in a sequence, often to clarify responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity and widespread use. While versatile, context is crucial for clear understanding. Common errors include confusing "whose" with "who's". Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various situations. Related phrases include "who's next" and "whose responsibility is it", offering similar meanings with nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

who's next

Focuses on the immediate sequence of turns, omitting the explicit mention of 'turn'.

whose responsibility is it

Shifts the focus from a turn-based system to the assignment of responsibility.

who is supposed to

Emphasizes obligation or expectation rather than sequence.

who is up

A more informal way of asking who is next, primarily used in casual settings.

who's on deck

An idiomatic expression, often used in sports contexts, meaning who is next in line.

who gets to go next

Highlights the opportunity or privilege of taking a turn.

who has the next shift

Specifically refers to turns in the context of scheduled work or duties.

who is scheduled next

Similar to 'who has the next shift', but broader, applicable to any scheduled activity.

who is in line

Focuses on the concept of being in a queue or sequence.

who's taking over

Highlights the act of replacing someone in a task or role.

FAQs

How can I use "whose turn is it" in a sentence?

You can use "whose turn is it" to inquire about whose responsibility or opportunity it is to perform a task or participate in an activity. For example, "Whose turn is it to take out the trash?" or "I think it's my turn, but "whose turn is it" to present the findings?"

What are some alternatives to asking "whose turn is it"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "who is next", "whose responsibility is it", or "who is up". The best alternative depends on the specific situation and the level of formality required.

Is it grammatically correct to say "who's turn is it" instead of "whose turn is it"?

No, "who's turn is it" is grammatically incorrect. "Whose" is the possessive form, indicating ownership or responsibility. "Who's" is a contraction of "who is" and doesn't fit in this context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "whose turn is it"?

The phrase "whose turn is it" is appropriate in any situation where individuals are taking sequential turns at an activity, task, or responsibility. This could range from household chores to board games to professional duties.