Introduction
Whose and who’s are often confused because they sound the same. Words that have the same pronunciation but different meanings and spellings are called homophones.
WHOSE
Whose is a possessive pronoun and a question word that shows ownership or belonging.
Who does this jacket belong to?
(question word)
Emma, whose brother (her brother) is a doctor, works at a bank.
(relative pronoun)
WHO’S
Who’s is a contraction of “who is” or “who has.”
Who is knocking on the door?
(question word)
Who has already seen this movie?
(question word)
That’s the teacher who is helping us with the project.
(relative pronoun)
Liam, who has been to Italy before, gave us travel tips.
(relative pronoun)
Why Do People Confuse Whose and Who’s?
1️⃣ Pronunciation
Both whose and who’s are pronounced [huːz], making them indistinguishable in speech. Context is the only way to tell them apart in conversation.
2️⃣ Possessive Form Confusion
Since whose shows possession, some learners mistakenly think who’s is also a possessive form of who, similar to Tom’s book or the teacher’s pen.
How to Avoid Mistaking Whose for Who’s?
1️⃣ Who’s = Who is / Who has
If you’re unsure whether to use who’s, try replacing it with “who is” or “who has.” If the sentence still makes sense, who’s is correct.
➡ Who is at the door?
➡ Who has finished their homework?
➡ Who is/has finished their homework?
2️⃣ Whose = Possessive
If you are asking about ownership or possession, use whose.
➡ Who do these shoes belong to?
➡ Her book won an award.
More Example Sentences
WHOSE (Possession/Belonging)
WHO’S (Who is / Who has)
