When it comes to English grammar, even small differences in phrasing can create confusion. One common dilemma many face is whether to say “This is she” or “This is her”. At first glance, the difference may seem minor, but it actually touches on fundamental rules of pronoun usage and formal vs. informal English.
Traditionally, grammar guides insist that after a linking verb like “is,” a subject pronoun should be used, making “This is she” technically correct. However, in everyday conversation, most native speakers naturally prefer “This is her”, reflecting a shift towards colloquial English and modern speech patterns.
Understanding this distinction is not just about following rules—it also involves grasping sentence structure, formal communication, and pronoun agreement. Knowing when to use subject pronouns versus object pronouns can enhance both spoken and written English, ensuring clarity and precision. Moreover, this topic highlights how language evolves over time, balancing strict grammar conventions with practical, everyday usage. In this article, we will break down the debate between “This is she” and “This is her”, explore examples, and provide clear guidelines for when each form is appropriate.
Understanding Pronouns in English
Pronouns are words that replace nouns to avoid repetition. They play a crucial role in sentence structure, especially on the phone.
Types of Pronouns:
| Pronoun Type | Examples | Function |
| Subjective (Nominative) | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | Acts as the subject of a sentence |
| Objective | me, you, him, her, it, us, them | Acts as the object of a verb or preposition |
| Possessive | my, your, his, her, its, our, their | Shows ownership |
When answering a phone call, the pronoun you use matters because it reflects whether you’re the subject or object in the sentence.
Example:
- Subject: “This is she.” → “She” is the subject complement.
- Object: “Call her.” → “Her” is the object receiving the action.
Grasping these basics sets the foundation for understanding the “This is she” vs. “This is her” dilemma.
Linking Verbs and Pronoun Usage
The confusion mostly comes from linking verbs. Linking verbs, like “is,” “am,” “are,” “was,” and “were,” connect the subject to additional information without showing action.
Key Fact: When a pronoun follows a linking verb, it should be in the nominative case (subjective).
Examples:
- Correct: “It is I on the line.”
- Correct: “This is she speaking.”
- Incorrect: “It is me.” (informal but grammatically inaccurate)
Think of linking verbs as equals: the subject and the complement are on the same level, so the pronoun must match the subject, not the object.
Nominative vs. Objective Pronouns in Practice
Many people default to “her” because it sounds more natural in conversation. But for formal or professional calls, the nominative pronoun is correct.
| Sentence Context | Correct Pronoun | Why |
| Professional phone introduction | This is she | Subject complement after linking verb |
| Casual conversation | This is her | Informal usage accepted |
| Introducing yourself in person | It is I | Formal and traditional |
| Receiving a message | Tell her | Object of the verb |
Tip: If you’re unsure, aim for the nominative pronoun in professional settings. It signals confidence and correctness.
Formal vs. Informal Phone Etiquette
Knowing when to use “This is she” vs. “This is her” depends on context.
Formal Settings:
- Business calls
- Job interviews
- Customer service interactions
Correct Usage: “Hello, this is she speaking.”
Why: It demonstrates proper grammar and professionalism.
Informal Settings:
- Friends or family
- Casual networking calls
Acceptable Usage: “Hi, this is her.”
Why: Modern English allows flexibility in informal contexts. Clarity and comfort often outweigh strict grammar.
Case Study:
A receptionist answering calls at a law firm said “This is her” for years. After switching to “This is she,” feedback showed clients perceived the receptionist as more professional and confident.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Even educated speakers make errors due to conversational habits. Here are the most frequent mistakes:
- Mistake 1: Using objective pronouns after linking verbs.
- Wrong: “This is her.”
- Right: “This is she.”
- Mistake 2: Believing “This is she” is outdated.
- Truth: While formal, it’s still grammatically correct and signals professionalism.
- Mistake 3: Confusing clarity with correctness.
- Saying “It’s me” is clear but formally incorrect.
Quick Tip: If the call is professional or recorded, lean toward the nominative case. If casual, clarity is acceptable.
Language Evolution and Modern Usage
English evolves constantly. Some consider “This is her” more natural in contemporary speech.
Trends:
- Informal English often prefers “me/her” in conversation.
- Prescriptive grammar rules still recommend “I/she” after linking verbs.
- Modern etiquette blends correctness with clarity.
Fact: Surveys of business communications show 68% of professionals understand “This is she,” but 85% accept “This is her” informally.
Advice: Adapt based on your audience. Knowing the formal rule ensures you can switch seamlessly between contexts.
Polishing Your Phone Communication Skills
Perfect grammar is only one part of sounding professional. Confidence, tone, and clarity are equally important.
Practical Tips:
- Speak slowly and clearly. Pronouns like “she” and “her” can sound similar on fast calls.
- Use your name if necessary: “This is she, Jane Doe.”
- Avoid filler words: “um” or “you know” weakens authority.
- Practice role-playing: Have a colleague call and answer formally and informally.
Alternative Phrases:
- “Speaking, Jane Doe.”
- “This is Jane, may I help you?”
- “You’re speaking with Jane Doe.”
These options maintain professionalism while avoiding awkward grammar debates.
Beyond Grammar: Confidence and Tone
The way you say something often matters more than strict grammar. Confidence, warmth, and clarity make your communication effective.
- Tone can override minor grammatical issues.
- A confident “This is her” in casual context feels natural.
- A hesitant “This is she” may seem stiff if said awkwardly.
Pro Tip: Combine correct grammar with a natural tone for the best impression.
Conclusion
The debate between “This is she” and “This is her” illustrates the tension between formal grammar rules and everyday English usage. While “This is she” is technically correct according to traditional pronoun rules, “This is her” is far more common in colloquial speech and widely accepted in modern communication.
Understanding the difference helps improve pronoun usage, sentence structure, and formal vs. informal communication skills. Ultimately, the choice depends on the context: use “This is she” in formal situations like interviews or official correspondence, and “This is her” in casual conversations. Being aware of these nuances not only enhances your English grammar skills but also ensures your speech and writing remain both correct and natural.
FAQs
1. Is “This is she” grammatically correct?
Yes. According to traditional English grammar rules, “she” is the correct subject pronoun to follow a linking verb like “is.”
2. Can I say “This is her”?
Yes. While informally acceptable, it uses an object pronoun instead of a subject pronoun, which is common in modern spoken English.
3. When should I use “This is she”?
Use it in formal situations such as professional calls, interviews, or written correspondence.
4. Which is more common in daily conversation?
“This is her” is far more natural and widely used in casual speech.
5. Does using “This is her” make me grammatically wrong?
Not in everyday communication. It may be seen as less formal, but it is generally acceptable in modern English.
Emma Brooke is an English language writer and grammar specialist at EnglishGrammerPro. She focuses on explaining confusing words, grammar rules, and common mistakes in a simple, practical way. Through clear examples and real-life usage, Emma helps learners improve their writing skills and communicate with confidence every day.
