As English continues to evolve, expressions like “This is she” and “This is her” now sit within a larger conversation about identity, clarity, and personal preference. In many workplaces, especially customer-facing roles, I’ve noticed that people lean toward whichever option feels warm, polite, and effortless. Some speakers prefer the more traditional form because it sounds careful and grammatically clean, while others choose the everyday version because it aligns with modern speech patterns. What matters most is whether the phrase supports smooth communication. Even small choices in phrasing can influence how confident, friendly, or approachable you sound during real interactions.
One of the most interesting things I’ve observed while teaching is that native speakers rarely pause to evaluate this rule. They respond instinctively, often unaware that there is a grammatical distinction in the first place. This natural fluency can be confusing for learners who expect English to follow the same strict patterns they see in grammar books. But spoken language works differently—it bends toward comfort and habit. That’s why you’ll hear “This is her” in most real situations, even though “This is she” technically aligns with older grammar structures. Understanding this disconnect helps learners relax and focus on communication rather than perfection.
There are still moments where formality plays a role. In legal, academic, or official settings, people may choose “This is she” because it sounds polished and precise. However, in everyday conversation, a smooth, natural tone carries more weight than textbook correctness. I often remind students that language serves people—not the other way around. The goal is not to memorise rigid answers but to understand why different forms exist and when each one feels appropriate. Once you grasp that balance, navigating expressions like these becomes simple, intuitive, and entirely stress-free.
Why “This Is She vs This Is Her” Confuses So Many People
You aren’t imagining it. This pair genuinely causes problems.
The confusion comes from a tug-of-war between:
- Formal grammar rules
- Natural speech patterns
- Changing communication styles
Traditional grammar insists that “This is she” is correct.
Modern, everyday English overwhelmingly uses “This is her.”
You stand at the crossroads of grammar history every time you answer the phone. That tiny moment reveals how English evolves and how people adjust their speech depending on tone, context, and comfort.
Even many native English speakers don’t know why one version is “correct” and the other isn’t. They only know what feels right.
Let’s break this tricky pair down so you can use both with confidence.
Understanding the Grammar Behind “This Is She”
When you hear the phrase “This is she”, you might think it sounds formal or old-fashioned. It does. Yet it follows a very traditional rule in English grammar.
That rule centers on something called a predicate nominative.
What’s a predicate nominative?
A predicate nominative is a noun or pronoun that comes after a linking verb and renames the subject. The key idea is simple:
The pronoun after a linking verb should match the pronoun used for the subject.
Linking verbs include:
- is
- was
- are
- be
Because she is the subject form of the pronoun, strict grammar says it should follow “is.”
You would never say:
- “She is her.”
- “I am me.”
Instead, you say:
- “She is she.”
- “I am I.”
Following this rule, the grammatically correct form is:
- “This is she.”
Why traditional grammar cares so much
Before the twentieth century, English grammar borrowed heavily from Latin—especially in formal writing and speech. Latin required pronouns to remain in the nominative case after linking verbs. English simply adopted the same idea.
That’s why grammar books still teach:
- It is he
- It is they
- This is she
To many modern speakers those lines feel stiff because people rarely talk that way anymore.
Still, the rule stands:
“This is she” is the traditionally correct form.
Examples of “This is she” in formal contexts
- When answering a business call
- When speaking to a government office
- When responding to an official inquiry
- During a job interview call
- When maintaining a professional tone
Examples:
- “This is she speaking.”
- “Yes, this is she. How may I help you?”
- “This is she, the account holder.”
This form signals professionalism and clarity, though it may sound overly polished in casual situations.
Understanding the Meaning and Use of “This Is Her”
While “This is she” wins the grammar award, “This is her” wins real life.
Most native speakers almost always choose “This is her” because it feels natural. In everyday speech English tends to favor the objective case after verbs, even linking verbs.
You say:
- “It’s me.”
- “It’s him.”
- “It’s her.”
These are technically “incorrect” under strict grammar but dominate real-life usage.
Why “This is her” sounds natural
Spoken English prioritizes rhythm and comfort. People shorten sounds, simplify structures, and choose whatever “flows.” The human ear prefers smooth patterns over rigid rules.
That’s why the majority of people—even well-educated professionals—use:
- “This is her.”
It mirrors the conversational tone used everywhere else in English.
Examples of “This is her” in real conversation
- “Hi, this is her. What’s up?”
- “This is her. Can I take a message?”
- “Hey, this is her. I saw your missed call.”
These don’t sound formal. They sound human.
Natural speech vs strict grammar
English grammar evolves based on usage. If millions of people say something for generations it eventually becomes accepted as standard, even if it began as “incorrect.” Examples include:
- “It’s me.”
- “Who are you talking to?”
- “I wish I was…”
- “Between you and me.”
All technically violate old formal rules yet appear everywhere.
“This is her” belongs to that category.
This Is She vs This Is Her: Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Below is a quick reference table summarizing the major differences.
| Feature | This Is She | This Is Her |
| Grammar form | Subjective case | Objective case |
| Based on traditional grammar? | Yes | No |
| Most common in modern speech? | No | Yes |
| Tone | Formal, polished | Natural, conversational |
| Best for | Professional calls, official situations | Everyday calls, casual communication |
| Commonness among native speakers | Rare in casual settings | Extremely common |
| Feels natural? | To some, no | To most, yes |
This table helps you decide which version best fits your situation.
When You Should Use “This Is She”
Although it may sound overly formal, “This is she” still holds value. You can use it when the situation calls for professionalism or clarity.
Situations where you should use “This is she”
- Job interview calls
- Calls from banks
- Calls from insurance companies
- Calls involving legal or official matters
- Academic or research settings
- When speaking to someone who values polished grammar
Why it matters
Using “This is she” signals:
- attention to detail
- respect for tradition
- professionalism
- formality
- seriousness
These qualities matter in many settings, especially when making a strong impression.
Examples
- “Yes, this is she. I’m confirming my appointment.”
- “This is she speaking. How can I assist you today?”
- “Yes, this is she. I received your email.”
If you want to sound confident and polished choose this form.
When You Should Use “This Is Her”
In real conversations “This is her” wins. It feels human. It feels modern. It sounds like something you’d actually say without rehearsing.
Situations where “This is her” fits perfectly
- Friends calling
- Regular work calls
- Casual conversations
- Text-based phone transcripts
- Customer service interactions
- Everyday life
This choice shows warmth and ease. It makes you sound approachable.
Examples
- “Hi, this is her. Are you outside?”
- “Yes, this is her. Go ahead.”
- “Hey, this is her. What’s going on?”
If you want natural speech choose this form.
Real Examples in Full Sentences
Let’s look at how each phrase appears in real use.
Examples of “This is she”
- “This is she. I’m the account owner.”
- “Yes, this is she. I submitted the request yesterday.”
- “This is she speaking. Thank you for calling.”
Examples of “This is her”
- “Oh hey, this is her. I’m on my way.”
- “This is her. Please leave a message after the tone.”
- “Hi, this is her. What did you need?”
Incorrect examples and fixes
- Incorrect: “This is her speaking formally.”
Fix: “This is she speaking formally.” - Incorrect: “This is she, call back later.”
Fix: “This is she. Please call back later.” - Incorrect: “This is she but talk to my husband.”
Fix: “This is she. You can speak with my husband.”
Clean sentences improve clarity and tone.
Alternative Phrases You Can Use Instead
If you want to avoid the grammar debate entirely you have options. These neutral alternatives sound natural and work everywhere.
Alternatives that fit both casual and formal situations
- “Speaking.”
- “This is Sarah.”
- “Sarah speaking.”
- “You’re speaking with Sarah.”
- “Hi, it’s Sarah.”
These versions:
- remove the pronoun confusion
- keep your tone clear
- fit any context with ease
Examples
- “Yes, speaking.”
- “This is Sarah.”
- “Sarah speaking. How can I help you?”
These eliminate the need to think about grammar.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
People slip up because the phrases sound unusual. Here are the most frequent mistakes.
Mistake 1: Mixing cases
- Wrong: “This is she calling her.”
- Fix: “This is she calling.”
Mistake 2: Adding unnecessary words
- Wrong: “This is her whom you asked for.”
- Fix: “This is her.”
Mistake 3: Overcorrecting
Some people try to sound extremely formal:
- Wrong: “This is she who is speaking as the person requested.”
- Fix: “This is she.”
Clear and simple always wins.
Mistake 4: Switching tone mid-sentence
- Wrong: “This is she, yeah I can talk.”
- Fix: “This is she. Yes, I can talk.”
Tone consistency matters.
How Native Speakers Actually Choose Between the Two
Linguists have studied phone-answering patterns for decades. The findings are clear.
Most native speakers prefer “This is her.”
Across age groups, regions, and education levels the objective form dominates casual conversation. People choose what feels natural.
Older generations may prefer “This is she.”
This preference comes from school training and earlier grammar teachings.
Regional patterns
- In the United States:
“This is her” is overwhelmingly common. - In Canada:
Both forms appear, though the objective form still wins. - In the United Kingdom:
“This is her” is standard in speech.
Workplace factors
Some industries favor traditional grammar:
- law
- finance
- academia
- government
Others lean toward casual:
- tech
- media
- creative fields
Tone usually reflects the culture of the industry.
Case Studies: How Choice Changes Tone and Meaning
Let’s look at scenarios where the difference becomes obvious.
Case Study 1: Business Call
Caller: “May I speak with Emily Carter?”
Response A: “This is she.”
Response B: “This is her.”
Analysis:
Response A sounds polished and formal.
Response B sounds natural and neutral.
Either is fine but companies often lean toward version A.
Case Study 2: Friend Calling
Caller: “Hey! Is Emily around?”
Response A: “This is she.”
Response B: “This is her.”
Analysis:
Response A feels stiff.
Response B fits casual conversation effortlessly.
Case Study 3: Customer Service Callback
Caller: “Hi, I’m returning Emily Carter’s call.”
Response A: “This is she.”
Response B: “This is her.”
Analysis:
Both work but version A creates a more professional tone.
Case Study 4: School Administrator Calling
Caller: “May I speak with Emily Carter?”
Response A: “Speaking.”
Response B: “This is Emily.”
Analysis:
Both alternatives avoid the grammar issue entirely.
Expert Notes From Linguists and Grammar Specialists
Language experts often debate the value of rigid correctness in modern speech. Their insights highlight a simple truth.
Expert observation 1
“Natural usage defines language far more strongly than prescriptive rules.”
Expert observation 2
“Objective pronouns after linking verbs dominate spoken English and have for centuries.”
Expert observation 3
“Context determines correctness more than structure.”
Linguists argue that “This is her” is not wrong. It’s simply modern.
Quick Rules for Choosing the Right Phrase
Here’s a cheat sheet you can follow instantly.
Use “This is she” when:
- you want to sound formal
- you’re speaking to a bank, lawyer, official, or recruiter
- you aim for traditional correctness
Use “This is her” when:
- the call is casual
- you prefer natural speech
- you want to sound friendly and relaxed
Avoid the whole issue when:
- you say “Speaking.”
- you say “This is Sarah.”
- you say “Hi, it’s Sarah.”
These all work flawlessly.
Mini Practice Section: Choose the Correct Form
Fill in the blanks with this is she or this is her based on tone.
- Formal job interview callback: “Yes, ________. Thank you for calling.”
- Friend calling: “Hey! ________. What’s up?”
- Bank verifying your identity: “Yes, ________. How can I help?”
- Cousin calling about weekend plans: “Hi! ________.”
- A doctor’s office returning your call: “Yes, ________.”
Answers:
- This is she
- This is her
- This is she
- This is her
- This is she
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “This is she” and “This is her” becomes much easier once you recognize how grammar and real-life usage interact. Formal grammar tells us that “she” is technically correct in traditional structures, but modern English prioritizes clarity, comfort, and natural expression. What truly matters is choosing the form that fits the moment—professional settings may call for precision, while casual settings work smoothly with the everyday version. As language continues to evolve, being flexible and confident with both phrases helps you sound natural, polite, and effortless in any conversation.
FAQs
Q1. What is the correct grammatical form: “This is she” or “This is her”?
Traditionally, “This is she” is grammatically correct because she is the subject form. However, “This is her” is far more common in modern spoken English.
Q2. Why do most people say “This is her” instead of “This is she”?
Most people use “This is her” because it sounds more natural and fits everyday conversation better than the more formal, older structure.
Q3. Is it wrong to say “This is her” on the phone?
No. While not traditionally grammatical, it is widely accepted in real communication and considered normal, polite, and clear.
Q4. When should I use “This is she”?
Use “This is she” in formal situations, official calls, or when you want to follow strict grammar rules.
Q5. Can I just say “Speaking” instead of “This is she/her”?
Yes. “Speaking” is professional, businesslike, and avoids choosing between the two forms—making it a simple and widely preferred option.
