[Image credit: Stuart Miles]

Here’s another question about the matter of possession.  Thankfully, we can answer this one the same way we’ve tackled the topic of its and it’s.  Again, if the word is a conjunction as in the case of who’s, we’re simply dealing with the shortened version of who is; without the apostrophe it means belonging to.  So whose line is it anyway? is correctly stated because we want to know who possesses the line.  Otherwise, it would read who is line is it anyway? which is clearly wrong.  As noted in previous grammar lessons, repeating the sentence out loud will ensure you know whose line it is every time, and you’ll also know who’s (who is ) not following this tip when the incorrect form is used.

Whose common grammar slip does this one belong to, or who’s without fault … are you?