Many English learners ask the same question: this is she or this is her? It looks like a small choice, but it can feel confusing.
Both forms have appeared in English, yet they are not used in the same way today. In daily speech, most people say this is her because it sounds natural and modern. Some grammar books and older formal rules also mention this is she. That is why learners often see both forms and wonder which one is correct. The good news is that the answer becomes easy once you understand pronouns and common usage. In this article, you will learn when to use each form, why people choose one over the other, and how to avoid mistakes. You will also see examples, style differences, and simple tips you can use in real conversations.
Understanding the Question: this is she or this is her
The phrase this is she or this is her usually comes up when someone answers the phone or introduces a person.
For example:
- “May I speak to Anna?”
- “This is her.”
Or:
- “May I speak to Anna?”
- “This is she.”
Both sentences try to mean the same thing: the speaker is Anna.
However, modern English usually prefers this is her in normal conversation. It sounds more natural to most native speakers.
The Short Answer
If you want a simple rule, use this:
- This is her = best choice in everyday English
- This is she = formal, old-fashioned, or very traditional style
So if someone asks, “Is Maria there?” you can reply:
- “Yes, this is her.”
That answer is clear, polite, and common.
Why Do People Say “This Is She”?
To understand this, we need to look at grammar history.
Older grammar rules treated the verb to be as a linking verb. A linking verb connects the subject to another word that describes or identifies it.
Example:
- She is the winner.
- It is I.
- This is she.
Under that older style, some teachers said the pronoun after is should be a subject pronoun:
- I
- he
- she
- we
- they
So they preferred:
- This is she.
That is why the phrase still appears in some formal settings.
Why Do Most People Say “This Is Her”?
Modern English changed through natural speech. People began using object pronouns after the verb to be in many everyday situations.
Object pronouns are:
- me
- him
- her
- us
- them
So people now commonly say:
- It’s me.
- That’s him.
- This is her.
These forms sound normal and friendly in conversation.
Even though older rules preferred subject pronouns, real usage moved in a different direction.
Grammar Rule in Simple Words
Here is the easy explanation.
Subject Pronouns
Used as the subject of a sentence:
- I am ready.
- She is here.
- They are late.
Object Pronouns
Used after actions or prepositions:
- Call me.
- I saw her.
- Speak to them.
After “Be” Verbs
Words like am, is, are, was, were are forms of the verb be.
Traditional grammar often preferred subject pronouns after these verbs:
- It is I.
- This is she.
Modern English often uses object pronouns:
- It is me.
- This is her.
Both patterns exist, but one is far more common today.
Which Form Sounds Natural Today?
In everyday life, these are natural:
- This is her.
- This is him.
- It’s me.
- That’s them.
These can sound very formal or unusual in casual speech:
- This is she.
- This is he.
- It is I.
- That is they.
They are not always wrong, but they are less common now.
Phone Call Examples
The question this is she or this is her often appears in phone conversations. Here are common examples.
Everyday Style
Caller: May I speak with Sara? Sara: This is her.
Caller: Is Daniel there? Daniel: This is him.
Caller: Can I talk to Nina? Nina: Speaking. / This is her.
Formal Style
Caller: May I speak with Sara? Sara: This is she.
This sounds polite but also formal or old-fashioned to many people.
Introductions in Real Life
When meeting people face to face, we usually do not say “this is she” or “this is her” alone. Instead, we use full introductions.
Examples:
- This is her sister, Emma.
- This is she? (rare and unnatural in introductions)
- This is my friend, Lisa.
So remember: the phrase is most common in identity replies, especially on the phone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many learners make small mistakes when learning this is she or this is her.
1. Using Very Formal English in Casual Situations
If you say “This is she” with friends, it may sound stiff.
Better:
- This is her.
- Speaking.
- Yes, this is Anna.
2. Mixing Pronouns Incorrectly
Wrong:
- This is she speaking me.
Correct:
- This is she.
- This is her.
- This is Anna speaking.
3. Overthinking Every Grammar Rule
Language changes. Some older rules are less common now. Use clear and natural English first.
4. Using the Phrase in Every Situation
You do not need it all the time.
Instead of:
- This is her.
You can also say:
- Yes, speaking.
- Yes, this is Maria.
- Maria speaking.
American vs British English Differences
The debate around this is she or this is her also appears in regional usage.
American English
In the United States, this is her is very common in daily speech. Many people also say:
- This is he.
- This is him.
- It’s me.
Some formal speakers may still choose this is she, but it is less common.
British English
In the United Kingdom, speakers also tend to prefer natural spoken forms such as:
- This is her.
- It’s me.
Very formal grammar traditions once supported subject pronouns, but common speech usually favors the object form.
Main Point
In both American and British English, casual speech usually prefers what sounds natural rather than older textbook forms.
What Do Teachers and Style Guides Say?
Different teachers may give different answers.
Traditional View
Some teachers say:
- “This is she” is grammatically correct.
They follow older grammar systems.
Modern Usage View
Many modern teachers say:
- “This is her” is correct in current standard speech.
They focus on how people really speak and write today.
Best Practical Answer
Know both forms, but use this is her in normal conversation.
Contextual Examples for Daily Use
Here are many simple examples.
On the Phone
- May I speak to Julia? This is her.
- Is Mr. Khan available? This is he. (formal) This is him. (common)
At Work
- Hello, is this the manager? Yes, this is her.
- Am I speaking with Mr. Lee? Yes, this is him.
Personal Calls
- Is Mom there? This is she. (formal/rare) This is her. (common)
Safer Choice
If unsure, say:
- Yes, this is Julia.
- Yes, speaking.
Idiomatic and Natural Expressions
Native speakers often avoid the full grammar question by using easy expressions.
Common Replies
- Speaking.
- Yes, this is Anna.
- You’ve got her.
- This is Anna speaking.
- Yes, that’s me.
These sound smooth and natural.
Example
Caller: Is Emma there? Emma: Speaking.
This is short, polite, and common.
Formal vs Casual Tone
Tone matters in English.
Casual Tone
- This is her.
- It’s me.
- Speaking.
Professional Tone
- This is Anna speaking.
- Yes, this is Ms. Reed.
- This is she. (rare but formal)
Which Should You Choose?
Use the tone that fits the moment.
Friends: casual Work calls: polite and clear Formal events: more careful wording
Why Language Changes
Many learners think grammar never changes, but it does.
Long ago, people often wrote in more formal patterns. Over time, daily speech became simpler. That is why phrases like it is I became it’s me, and this is she became less common than this is her.
Language follows people. If millions of speakers use a form naturally, it often becomes accepted.
Practical Tips to Remember
Here are simple tips for the this is she or this is her question.
Use What People Commonly Understand
Choose:
- This is her.
In Work Calls, Use Your Name
Choose:
- This is Sarah speaking.
Learn Both Forms
Understand both, even if you use one more often.
Listen to Native Speakers
Notice what people say in movies, calls, and conversations.
Focus on Clarity
Clear speech is better than perfect old grammar.
Sentence Practice
Try reading these aloud.
- Hello, this is her.
- Yes, this is Maria speaking.
- This is she. How may I help you?
- It’s me.
- Yes, you have the right person.
This helps you feel the tone difference.
Mini Comparison Table
SituationBest ChoiceTalking to a friendThis is herPhone call at workThis is Maria speakingVery formal settingThis is sheUnsure what to saySpeaking
Writing Technique and Grammar Reflection
This topic teaches useful grammar ideas. It shows the difference between subject pronouns and object pronouns. It also shows that grammar rules and real usage are not always the same. Good writing needs correct verb tense, clear sentence order, and natural word choice. Short and long sentences together create a smooth rhythm. Clear examples make hard grammar easier to understand. Repetition of the main phrase in a natural way helps readers stay focused on the topic. Simple wording improves readability and supports learning. Organized headings also make information easier to scan and remember.
How This Topic Improves Your English
Learning this is she or this is her helps you in many ways:
- You understand pronouns better.
- You learn formal and informal tone.
- You improve phone conversation skills.
- You become more confident in speaking.
- You notice how English changes over time.
- You write more naturally.
Small grammar questions often teach big lessons.
Conclusion
So, this is she or this is her? Both forms exist, but they are not equally common today. This is her is the natural and common choice in everyday English. This is she follows older formal grammar and may still appear in careful or traditional speech. If you want clear and modern communication, use this is her or simply say your name. If you hear this is she, know that it is a formal style rather than a mistake. The best choice depends on tone, setting, and audience. Learn both forms, but use the one that feels clear and natural for the moment.
FAQs
1. Which is correct: this is she or this is her?
Both forms are used, but this is her is more common today.
2. Is “this is she” wrong?
No. It is an older or more formal style.
3. Why do people say “this is her”?
Because modern spoken English often uses object pronouns after is.
4. Which one should learners use?
Use this is her in most daily situations.
5. What is better for business calls?
Try:
- This is Anna speaking.
6. Do Americans say “this is her”?
Yes, very often.
7. Do British speakers use “this is her”?
Yes, many do in natural speech.
8. Can I just say “speaking”?
Yes. It is common on phone calls.
