whose

word

/ˈhuz/
hooz
/hˈuːz/
hooz

Definition

Used to ask or tell who something belongs to, or who is connected to something. It shows possession or relationship in questions and relative clauses.

Usage & Nuances

Formal and informal use. Common in questions ('Whose book is this?') and relative clauses ('the man whose car was stolen'). Not used as a standalone word—always modifies a noun. Avoid confusion with 'who's' (contraction of 'who is').

Example Sentences

Whose shoes are these?

basic

I met a boy whose father is a doctor.

basic

Do you know whose bag this is?

basic

I couldn’t remember whose turn it was.

natural

There’s a car outside whose alarm keeps going off.

natural

We’re not sure whose idea this was, but it worked!

natural