How Do You Spell WHO'S?

Pronunciation: [hˈuːz] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "who's" can be confusing for many people because it can be easily confused with the possessive pronoun "whose". The word "who's" is a contraction of the words "who" and "is", so it should not be confused with "whose" that indicates possession. The phonetic transcription of "who's" is /huːz/, pronounced "hooz". This spelling of the word "who's" is important to use correctly to ensure clear communication and avoid misunderstandings.

WHO'S Meaning and Definition

  1. "Who's" is a contraction for two words: "who" and "is," or "who" and "has," primarily used in informal English. It functions as the shortened form of the pronoun "who" followed by the verb "is" or "has." "Who" refers to a person or persons, and "is" or "has" indicate the state or action associated with that person.

    When the contraction "who's" is used to represent "who is," it identifies the subject or object, interrogative or relative, in a sentence, often indicating that someone or something exists, performs an action, or possesses certain attributes. For example, in the sentence "Who's ready for dinner?" "Who's" replaces "Who is," conveying an inquiry about someone's readiness for a meal. In this context, "who's" serves as an interrogative pronoun.

    Alternatively, "who's" can stand for "who has," engaging in the perfect tense form to indicate possession of something or completion of an action by the subject. For instance, "Who's finished their homework?" employs "who's" as a relative pronoun that inquires about the completion of an assignment by a certain person.

    Overall, "who's" is a contraction used in casual speech and writing that combines the pronoun "who" with the verbs "is" or "has" to represent "who is" or "who has" respectively, allowing for a concise and efficient expression of questions or statements.

Common Misspellings for WHO'S

Etymology of WHO'S

The word "who's" is a contraction of the words "who" and "is". Its etymology can be traced back to the Middle English period. In Old English, the word "who" was spelled as "hwa" or "hwo" and had similar meanings. The contraction "who's" emerged in later stages of the English language as a way to combine the pronoun "who" with the verb "is". It is commonly used in questions, such as "Who's going to the party?" or in sentences like "He's the one who's in charge".

Idioms with the word WHO'S

  • who's who The idiom "who's who" is used to describe a compilation or collection of notable or prominent individuals in a particular field or community. It refers to a reference book, directory, or list that provides information about the identities and achievements of these influential people.
  • Who's on the phone? The idiom "Who's on the phone?" is not a common English idiom. It is a simple question typically asked when someone wants to know who is currently speaking or calling on the phone.
  • show who's boss The idiom "show who's boss" means to assert one's authority or dominance over others, often by displaying assertiveness or taking control of a situation to establish superiority. It implies demonstrating power or influence to make it clear that one is in charge or has control over a person or a group.
  • show sb who's boss The idiom "show someone who's boss" means to assert one's dominance or authority over someone else, usually by displaying superior skills, power, or control in a particular situation. It is used to indicate a demonstration of strength or assertiveness, often in response to a challenge or a display of disobedience from the other person.
  • who's your daddy The idiom "who's your daddy?" is typically used in a playful or boastful manner to assert dominance, superiority, or to claim parental or authoritative status over someone. It is often used in competitive or confrontational situations to challenge the opponent's position or authority.
  • Look who's here! The idiom "Look who's here!" is an exclamation used to express surprise or amusement upon seeing someone unexpected or someone who holds a significant presence. It implies the speaker's astonishment and recognition of the person's arrival or appearance.
  • Who's your friend? The idiom "Who's your friend?" is typically used as a sarcastic or teasing remark to question someone's relationship with or loyalty to a person. It implies curiosity or skepticism about the nature of their association or friendship.
  • Who's there? The idiom "Who's there?" is commonly used as a response when someone is knocking on a door or calling out, asking for the person's identity or seeking confirmation of who is present. It can also figuratively imply uncertainty or curiosity about someone's true intentions or identity in a given situation.
  • Who's calling? The idiom "Who's calling?" typically refers to a situation where someone is asking for the identity or purpose of a person who wants to speak to them, especially when receiving a phone call from an unknown or unrecognizable number. It can also be used figuratively to inquire about someone's true intentions or motives before committing to any decisions or actions.
  • you should talk!, at look who's talking! The idiom "you should talk!" or "look who's talking!" is used to sarcastically point out that someone is being hypocritical or contradictory in their words or actions. It implies that the person should not be judging or criticizing others because they have done the same thing or have their own flaws. The idiom serves as a witty response to someone's criticism, suggesting that they should not be in a position to comment on the matter at hand.
  • you're a fine one to talk!, at look who's talking! The idiom "you're a fine one to talk!" or "look who's talking!" is a sarcastic or ironic expression used to imply that the person speaking is being hypocritical or contradictory. It is often used when someone criticizes or comments on a particular behavior or situation while they themselves are guilty of the same behavior or engaging in a similar situation.
  • you can/can't talk!, at look who's talking! The idiom "you can/can't talk!" or "at look who's talking!" is an expression used to sarcastically suggest that someone criticizing or commenting on a particular behavior or trait is guilty of the same behavior or trait themselves. It implies that the person in question lacks credibility or hypocrisy in their viewpoint due to their own actions or characteristics. Essentially, it points out that the person is in no position to judge others when they are guilty of the same thing.
  • look who's talking! The idiom "look who's talking!" is used to express ironic disbelief or criticism towards someone who hypocritically criticizes or judges others for something they are guilty of themselves. It implies that the person pointing fingers should first consider their own actions before passing judgment on others.
  • Could I tell him who's calling?
  • who's counting? The idiom "who's counting?" is a rhetorical question used to downplay the significance or importance of a certain action or quantity, suggesting that it doesn't really matter or that the exact number is not known.
  • but who's counting The phrase "but who's counting" is used to downplay the significance or importance of a particular number or quantity. It suggests that the exact count is not crucial or does not really matter in the grand scheme of things.
  • hark who's talking The idiom "hark who's talking" is a playful and slightly sarcastic way of telling someone to listen to themselves or consider their own actions before criticizing or commenting on someone else. It is used to point out hypocrisy or inconsistency in someone's words or behavior.
  • know who's who To "know who's who" means to be familiar with or knowledgeable about the identities, roles, or reputations of people in a particular social or professional circle. It can also refer to being able to distinguish between individuals based on their characteristics or behavior.
  • Can I tell (one) who's calling? This idiom means to ask a person waiting for the telephone who is calling them.
  • who's she, the cat's mother? This idiom is often used in response to someone referring to a person without using their name or title. It is a reminder to address people by their proper names or titles rather than using pronouns or vague descriptors.
  • who's a pretty boy then The idiom "who's a pretty boy then" is a playful phrase, often said to someone who is perceived as being charming, attractive, or well-groomed, especially when referring to a man or a young boy. It is typically used in a light-hearted or teasing manner to compliment or tease someone about their appearance.
  • who's (someone) when (he's/she's/they're) at home This idiom is used to express doubt or disbelief about who someone is when they are trying to act important or impressive. It essentially questions the person's true identity or significance.
  • who's someone when they're at home The idiom "who's someone when they're at home" is used to express confusion or frustration about a person's identity or reputation, often questioning who they really are or what they are really like.
  • like the cat that's got (or who's stolen) the cream The idiom "like the cat that's got (or who's stolen) the cream" refers to someone who looks extremely pleased and satisfied with themselves, often because they have achieved or obtained something they desired. It conveys a sense of contentment and smugness.
  • show (someone) who's boss To assert dominance or authority over someone; to make it clear that one is in charge.

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