This Is She or This Is Her explains English grammar and pronoun usage, helping learners avoid confusion through simple grammar rules daily.At first glance, This Is She or This Is Her may look like a small issue, but it is an important part of English grammar. The two words, she and her, mean almost the same thing,
yet they are used in different circumstances because each has a different grammatical function. A subject pronoun is not the same as an object pronoun, and these personal pronouns follow grammar rules, grammar structure, and sentence structure. This grammar comparison can create confusion,
so many people face this common dilemma in formal English and informal English.Regular language learning, reading, sample, sample sentences, sentence examples, and grammar practice help improve word choice, proper usage differences, and overall communication in the English language.
From my experience working in customer support, I heard both This is she and This is her in everyday speech, especially while talking and talking on the telephone. During a busy phone line or phone call, quick identification and a clear response matter. In business communication, customer communication,
and normal conversation, common usage has grown in popularity since the 20th century, making This is her a common option in informal contexts. Still, formal vs. informal English, telephone etiquette, expression, phrase, language usage, usage trend, frequency, context, preference, spoken English, conversational English, natural speech, English, and grammar all influence the best choice.
I remember today when someone asked, “Is Charlotte available?” while I answered the company main office phone line with frequently incoming calls. I responded, “This is she,” but the caller promptly corrected me and said I should answer, “This is her.” That moment started a useful grammar debate and showed that correct usage depends on the subject, object, pronoun, caller response, and the right answer for the situation, whether in the workplace or daily conversation.
Definition
When someone calls and asks:
“May I speak to Sarah?”
The person answering may reply:
- This is she.
- This is her.
Both responses identify the speaker as Sarah.
The debate comes from traditional English grammar rules versus modern spoken English usage.
What Does “This Is She” Mean?
This is she means:
“I am the person you are asking for.”
Traditional grammar considers she a subject pronoun that follows a linking verb.
What Does “This Is Her” Mean?
This is her also means:
“I am the person you are asking for.”
In everyday English, many native speakers use her because it sounds more natural and conversational.
Sentence Structure
Understanding the sentence structure makes the rule easier.
Structure of “This Is She”
Subject + Linking Verb + Subject Complement
- This + is + she
Here, is functions as a linking verb.
The pronoun after a linking verb traditionally remains in the subject form.
Structure of “This Is Her”
Subject + Linking Verb + Object Pronoun
- This + is + her
Modern English often accepts object pronouns after linking verbs in casual speech.
Traditional Grammar Rule
According to traditional grammar:
- Correct: This is she.
- Incorrect: This is her.
Why?
Because is is a linking verb rather than an action verb.
Similar examples:
- It is I.
- This is he.
- That was she.
These forms are grammatically formal but uncommon today.
Modern English Usage in 2026
Language changes over time.
In modern English:
- This is her is common in daily conversation.
- This is she is more formal.
- Both are widely understood.
Most native speakers choose the version that sounds natural in conversation.
When Should You Use “This Is She”?
Formal Situations
Use This is she in:
- Professional phone calls
- Formal interviews
- Business communication
- Traditional grammar settings
Example:
Caller: May I speak with Emma?
Emma: This is she.
Academic or Grammar-Focused Contexts
Teachers and grammar enthusiasts may prefer:
- This is she.
- It is I.
These follow traditional grammar rules.
When Should You Use “This Is Her”?
Casual Conversations
Use This is her when speaking naturally.
Example:
Caller: Is this Jessica?
Jessica: Yes, this is her.
Everyday Phone Calls
Most people say
- This is her.
- Speaking.
- Yes, this is Sarah.
These responses sound friendly and natural.
Examples of Correct Usage
Below are real-life examples.
Examples with “This Is She”
- This is she speaking.
- Yes, this is she.
- This is she, how may I help you?
- Good afternoon, this is she.
- This is she from the marketing department.
Examples with “This Is Her”
- Yes, this is her.
- This is her speaking.
- Hi, this is her.
- Yes, you’re speaking with her.
- This is her. How can I help?
Common Ways to Answer the Phone in 2026
People now use many natural alternatives.
Professional Responses
- This is Sarah speaking.
- Sarah speaking.
- Speaking.
- Yes, this is Sarah.
Casual Responses
- Yep, that’s me.
- This is her.
- You’re talking to her.
- Hi, this is Sarah.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Many English learners confuse pronouns and grammar patterns.
Mistake 1
Incorrect:
- This is me speaking.
Formal Correction:
- This is I speaking.
Natural Modern Version:
- This is me speaking.
Mistake 2
Incorrect:
- This are she.
Correct:
- This is she.
Mistake 3
Incorrect:
- This is he speaking? (when asking)
Correct:
- Is this he speaking?
Mistake 4
Incorrect:
- Her is speaking.
Correct:
- She is speaking.
This Is She vs This Is Her Comparison Table
| Feature | This Is She | This Is Her |
| Grammar Tradition | Formal | Informal |
| Modern Usage | Less Common | Very Common |
| Professional Calls | Yes | Yes |
| Everyday Conversation | Sometimes | Frequently |
| Native Speaker Preference | Moderate | High |
| Accepted in 2026 | Yes | Yes |
Pronouns and Verb Usage
Read More; Mastering the Simple Present Tense in American English in 2026: Complete Beginner’s Guide
Linking Verbs
Common linking verbs include:
- Is
- Am
- Are
- Was
- Were
- Become
- Seem
Examples:
- This is she.
- It was he.
- That is they.
The pronoun after the linking verb traditionally remains in subject form.
Action Verbs
Examples:
- She answered the phone.
- Her friend called.
- They spoke yesterday.
Action verbs follow different grammatical patterns.
Connection with English Tenses
Although this topic focuses on pronouns, it also relates to English tenses.
Present Tense
- This is she.
- This is her.
Past Tense
- That was she.
- That was her.
Future Tense
- Tomorrow, she will answer the phone.
Examples similar to future indefinite tense examples:
- She will answer the call.
- She will speak with the manager.
- She will return your call later.
Understanding tenses improves overall grammar accuracy.
Clauses and Grammar Usage
Read More, Mastering the Simple Present Tense in American English in 2026: Complete Beginner’s Guide
Independent Clause
- This is she.
Dependent Clause
- because I answered the phone
Combined Sentence:
- This is she because I answered the phone.
Another example:
- This is her because she received the call.
Learning clauses improves sentence variety and fluency.
Related Grammar Topics
Students learning this topic often study other grammar concepts.
Has vs Have
Examples:
- She has a new phone.
- They have new phones.
Use of Had
Examples:
- She had answered before I called.
- We had spoken earlier.
10 Examples of Adjective
Common adjectives:
- Happy
- Tall
- Short
- Smart
- Beautiful
- Kind
- Friendly
- Honest
- Quiet
- Strong
These grammar topics often appear together in English courses.
Conclusion
Choosing between This Is She or This Is Her depends on the situation and the level of formality. In formal English, This is she follows traditional English grammar because it uses a subject pronoun. In informal English and everyday conversation, This is her is more common and sounds natural to most native speakers. Learning both forms helps you communicate with confidence in any setting.
FAQs
Is “This is she” grammatically correct?
Yes. This is she is grammatically correct in formal English because she is a subject pronoun.
Is “This is her” also correct?
Yes. This is her is widely accepted in informal English and is the version most people use in everyday speech.
Which is more common in phone conversations?
In modern spoken English, This is her is more common during telephone conversations, while This is she is usually heard in more formal situations.
Why do people confuse “This is she” and “This is her”?
The confusion happens because both expressions identify the same person, but they follow different grammar rules for subject and object pronouns.
Which expression should English learners use?
English learners should understand both forms. Use This is she in formal situations and This is her in casual conversations to match the context naturally.
