Answering the phone adds an exciting element to English that allows us to play with a few extra greetings. Common greetings like “speaking” are often expected when someone asks for a specific person by name. However, what about the phrase this is she, or this is her? How do we say it, and why do we use it in that way?
Should I Say “This Is She” Or “This Is Her” When Answering The Phone?
When answering the phone, you should say, “this is she.” “This is her” is not grammatically correct in this sense. “This” is the subject of the sentence, and “is” is a linking verb. When we use a linking verb, the next word that comes after it has to match the same grammatical unit as the word before. “She” is a subject, and “her” is an object. Since “this” is also a subject, that means we have to use “she” and say “this is she.”
Does The Same Rule Apply To “This Is He” Or “This Is Him”?
The same rule we stated above applies to the answer “this is he” and “this is him.” We’ll touch on it a little more so you can try and wrap your head around the rule. It can be confusing at first, especially when it seems like every language rule we’ve learned up to now points at “this is him” being the correct meaning. We’ll get to what makes that wrong in just a little bit.
“This” is the subject of the sentence, and “is” is a linking verb. We’ve already explained slightly what we mean by that, but we’ll elaborate a little more. Linking verbs are used to connect subjects with equivalent words in sentences. This means that a subject will have to connect to another subject through a linking verb. It’s not correct to connect an object to a subject, and you should avoid doing so.
The phrase “this is he” can be broken down to say “subject – linking verb – subject,” which we intend to be grammatically correct. Even though we’re speaking when we answer the phone, it’s still important to get your grammar rules right. It’s a lot easier to get away with a few simple mistakes that are easily misheard, but in this case, getting it wrong simply won’t make sense to the listener on the other end.
Is It Ever Correct To Use “This Is Her” And “This Is Him”?
Since we’ve shown you why “this is she” and “this is he” are correct, it’s time to touch briefly on what makes “this is her” and “this is him” incorrect. However, before we go further, it’s worth noting that both phrases can still appear in the English language, and we’ll get to that in a second. Firstly, it’s time we learn what “him” and “her” mean in this sense.
“Him” and “her” are objective pronouns. We use them to indicate that someone else is present in the conversation and we are talking about them specifically. This is why we can’t use “him” or “her” to refer to ourselves in the first person when we answer a phone. If we were to say, “this is her,” then we’d actually mean that the person you’re asking for is somewhere else in the room or further away (except that it doesn’t make sense, and we can’t say it).
The times when we can use “this is her” or “this is him,” though, come when we’re talking about other people, specifically in the possessive form. If we’re talking about a girl that we know who a friend has, then “this is her friend” will work. On the flip side, though, saying “this is him friend” does not make sense. It’s best to remember that we simply never use “this is her” or “this is him” as a standalone phrase. “This is her” can only be used in the possessive, but “this is him” can never be used in any way.
Examples Of How To Use “This Is She” and “This Is He” In A Conversation
So, let’s see how conversations might crop up that might require us to say “this is she” or “this is he.” If you’re still struggling to understand why people might speak in this way, then an example could be exactly what the doctor ordered. Seeing it written down is a good way for you to learn the rules. It will also help if you say them out loud as you read them (as if you’re part of the conversation). It’ll help you understand it better.
- Hi, am I speaking to Marge?
- This is she.
- Hi, is this Dave?
- This is he.
- Is Mary there?
- This is she
- Are you Stuart?
- This is he.
We use the phrases as a typical response when answering the phone. If somebody asks for us by name and it is indeed our name they’re asking for, then we would indicate that by saying either “this is she” or “this is he,” depending on our gender. It’s actually a common response when answering the phone, and many people expect you to say it if it applies to the conversation.
How To Remember If The Correct Spelling Is “This Is She” Or “This Is Her”
Are there any ways that we can help you remember the correct spelling slightly easier? Well, not unless you learn the language rules a little better there aren’t. Basically, we want you to remember the role that a linking verb plays in a sentence. Once you’ve understood that, you’re good to go!
Remember that “is” is a linking verb in this phrase. When we use a linking verb, both words that come before and after it have to have the same grammatical unit. “This” will always be a subject, meaning that the word that comes after “this is” always has to be a subject too. If you remember that “she” and “he” are subjects and “her” and “him” are objects, then you’ll always remember the correct spelling without worry!
You may also like: 9 Better Ways To Ask “Are You There” (Phone Call)
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
