Clarifying Who’s This vs Whose This: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to English grammar, understanding the distinction between 'who's this' and 'whose this' can be quite confusing. In this article, we will delve into the correct usage of these phrases and explain the grammatical nuances that set them apart.

Understanding Pronouns: Key to Correct Usage

In English, pronouns play a crucial role in forming questions and statements. Let's start by understanding the difference between possessive pronouns and relative pronouns.

Who

‘Who’ is a subject pronoun, used to refer to a person as the subject of a sentence. For example, 'Who is going to the party?' Here, 'who' is asking about the identity of the person performing the action (going to the party).

Whose

‘Whose’ is an interrogative possessive pronoun, used to ask about the ownership of something. For example, 'Whose pen is this?' The sentence seeks to identify who owns the pen.

Using 'Who’s This'

The phrase 'who’s this' is correct and is a shortened form of 'who is this.' This phrase is commonly used when someone calls and doesn't recognize the identity of the person they are speaking to. For example:

Person 1: [Hello, is anyone there?]

Person 2: Who’s this?

Here, 'who's this' serves to inquire about the identity of the person calling.

Using 'Whose This'

'Whose this' is a grammatically incorrect phrase. The correct form is 'whose this.' For instance:

Person 1: [Is this your pen?]

Person 2: Whose this is, exactly?

This sentence can be rephrased correctly as:

Person 2: Whose pen is this?

Here, the phrase 'whose pen is this?' is the proper construction to ask about ownership.

Examples and Contexts

Let's explore more examples to further clarify the correct usage of 'who's this' and 'whose this.'

Example 1

Context: Phone call scenario

[Person 1: 'Hello?']

[Person 2: 'Who’s this?']

In this scenario, the correct usage of 'who’s this' implies that the caller is unsure of who is speaking on the other end of the line.

Example 2

Context: At a lost and found

[Person 1: 'Excuse me, I found this pen on the floor.']

[Person 2: 'Whose this is?']

The correct form 'whose this is' would be 'whose pen is this?' This indicates that the speaker is unsure of who owns the pen and is asking for clarification.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between 'who’s this' and 'whose this' is essential for effective communication in English. By using these phrases correctly, you can avoid confusion and ensure your messages are clear and precise.

For more information on English grammar and usage rules, be sure to explore the full article and try out the tips and examples provided. Happy learning!