This Is She or This Is Her helps explain a common grammar choice in clear, natural English today. Many English speakers still compare both forms. Many English speakers face a common dilemma because This Is She and This Is Her both sound familiar.
A quick glance may suggest there is little difference, but English grammar, traditional grammar, Modern English, and modern English often reach different results. Most grammar guides, grammar conventions, grammar rules, and every grammar rule say that after a linking verb, the verb is should connect to a subject pronoun in the nominative form, making This Is She technically correct.
In informal English, everyday English, and colloquial English, many native speakers, native English speakers, and other people still prefer This Is Her because it feels natural, familiar, short, and businesslike. During my experience working in customer support, I would often hear this response on the telephone or phone, where Speaking clearly and using shorthand helped every caller continue the conversation without hesitation.
Quick Answer
| Situation | Best Choice | Why |
| Formal phone call | This is she. | Follows traditional grammar rules. |
| Business call | This is she. | Sounds polished and professional. |
| Everyday conversation | This is her. | Most common in modern spoken English. |
| Talking with friends | This is her. | Natural and conversational. |
| Academic grammar | This is she. | Preferred by traditional grammar authorities. |
| Modern English usage | This is her. | Widely accepted by native speakers. |
Quick takeaway:
- “This is she” is grammatically correct according to traditional grammar.
- “This is her” is grammatically correct in modern English usage and is far more common in everyday conversation.
- Neither expression is considered wrong when used in the appropriate context.
This Is She or This Is Her: The Short Answer
When “This Is She” Is Correct
You should use “This is she” when following traditional English grammar. The verb is functions as a linking verb, meaning it connects two expressions that describe the same person.
Since both this and she refer to the subject, grammar treats them as equal. That is why the subject pronoun she appears instead of the object pronoun her.
This usage often appears in:
- Professional phone calls
- Formal conversations
- Business environments
- Grammar textbooks
- Academic writing
Example:
“May I speak with Emily?”
“This is she.”
Many receptionists, attorneys, executives, and customer service professionals still use this expression because it sounds polished and professional.
When “This Is Her” Is Correct
Although grammar books once discouraged it, “This is her” has become the standard response in everyday English.
Language evolves over time. Native speakers naturally prefer object pronouns after forms of the verb to be, especially in casual speech.
Examples include:
- “Who’s calling?”
- “This is her.”
Or:
- “Is Emma available?”
- “Speaking. This is her.”
You’ll hear this response across the United States in homes, offices, stores, schools, and casual conversations.
Most people won’t even notice the grammar because it sounds completely natural.
Which Form Sounds More Natural Today?
If you recorded one hundred everyday phone conversations, you would likely hear “This is her” far more often than “This is she.”
That doesn’t make the traditional version incorrect. It simply reflects the difference between prescriptive grammar and descriptive grammar.
Think of it this way:
- Prescriptive grammar tells you how language should work.
- Descriptive grammar explains how people actually use language.
Modern English values both perspectives.
In professional writing or highly formal situations, “This is she” still has a place.
In everyday speech, “This is her” feels more natural to most native speakers.
Why People Get Confused About “This Is She or This Is Her”
Many grammar questions have one clear answer. This Is She or This Is Her is different because both expressions are acceptable in different situations. The confusion comes from the fact that traditional grammar rules and modern English usage do not always match.
If you learned English in school, you may have been taught to say “This is she.” However, if you listen to everyday conversations, you’ll hear “This is her” much more often. Both forms have strong reasons behind them, which is why this topic continues to spark debate.
Subject Pronouns vs. Object Pronouns
To understand the difference, you first need to know the two main types of pronouns.
Subject pronouns perform the action in a sentence.
Examples include:
- I
- You
- He
- She
- We
- They
Object pronouns receive the action.
Examples include:
- Me
- You
- Him
- Her
- Us
- Them
Consider these sentences:
- She answered the phone.
- I called her.
- She finished the report.
- Everyone congratulated her.
Most grammar questions become easy once you know whether the pronoun acts as the subject or the object.
The Role of Linking Verbs
Here’s where things become interesting.
The verb is belongs to a special group called linking verbs. Unlike action verbs, linking verbs do not show an action. Instead, they connect the subject to another word that identifies or describes it.
Common linking verbs include:
| Linking Verb | Example |
| is | She is happy. |
| am | I am ready. |
| are | They are friends. |
| was | He was tired. |
| were | We were excited. |
| seem | You seem confident. |
| become | She became a teacher. |
In the sentence:
This is she.
Both this and she refer to the same person.
Traditional grammar says that because the two words identify the same subject, both should use the subject form.
The same idea appears in older examples such as:
- It is I.
- That was he.
- This is she.
Although these sound formal today, they follow classic grammatical principles.
How Modern English Changed the Rule
Language isn’t frozen in time. It changes as people speak.
Over the last century, English speakers gradually began using object pronouns after linking verbs in everyday conversation.
That’s why these expressions became common:
- It’s me.
- That’s him.
- This is her.
- That was them.
From a descriptive grammar perspective, these aren’t mistakes. They’re examples of how modern English naturally developed.
Many respected dictionaries and style references recognize that “It’s me” and “This is her” are standard in everyday speech even though traditional grammar once preferred “It is I” and “This is she.”
The result is simple:
- Traditional grammar favors subject pronouns.
- Modern spoken English often prefers object pronouns.
Neither approach surprises educated speakers today.
Understanding Subject and Object Pronouns
Before choosing between This Is She or This Is Her, it’s helpful to understand exactly how English pronouns work.
Once you learn the pattern, you’ll recognize similar grammar questions almost instantly.
Subject Pronouns Explained
A subject pronoun performs the action or serves as the main subject of the sentence.
Examples include:
- She called first.
- He arrived early.
- They won the competition.
- We finished the project.
In each example, the pronoun represents the person performing the action.
Here’s a complete table.
| Person | Subject Pronoun |
| First person singular | I |
| Second person | You |
| Third person singular | He |
| Third person singular | She |
| Third person singular | It |
| First person plural | We |
| Third person plural | They |
Whenever the pronoun acts as the subject, choose one of these forms.
Object Pronouns Explained
Object pronouns receive the action.
Examples:
- Sarah invited her.
- We met him yesterday.
- They thanked us.
- Please call me later.
Notice how each pronoun comes after the action rather than performing it.
Here’s the matching chart.
| Subject Pronoun | Object Pronoun |
| I | Me |
| You | You |
| He | Him |
| She | Her |
| It | It |
| We | Us |
| They | Them |
This table explains why many learners instinctively choose her after is. Object pronouns appear after verbs in thousands of English sentences.
However, linking verbs create a special exception in traditional grammar.
Quick Pronoun Comparison Table
The easiest way to remember the difference is to compare common expressions.
| Correct Usage | Why It Works |
| She called me. | Subject performs the action. |
| I called her. | Object receives the action. |
| This is she. | Traditional grammar after a linking verb. |
| This is her. | Modern conversational English. |
| It is I. | Traditional grammar. |
| It’s me. | Modern everyday English. |
Notice the pattern.
Whenever you’re dealing with a linking verb like is, you’ll often find both a traditional form and a conversational form.
That’s exactly why This Is She or This Is Her continues to confuse learners.
Read More: I’ve Added vs. I Added: Which One Is Correct?
Is “This Is She” Grammatically Correct?
The short answer is yes.
In fact, many grammar experts consider “This is she” the traditional grammatical standard.
Although it sounds formal to modern ears, the expression follows a long-established rule that has existed for centuries.
Traditional Grammar Rule
Traditional English grammar treats linking verbs differently from action verbs.
Instead of taking an object, a linking verb connects the subject to another expression that renames or identifies it.
Consider this sentence:
This is she.
Both this and she point to exactly the same person.
Because the second word refers back to the subject, traditional grammar calls it a subject complement rather than an object.
That distinction is the reason grammar books recommend she instead of her.
You can compare it with these examples:
- It is I.
- The winner was he.
- The caller is she.
Each sentence follows the same grammatical principle.
Why Grammar Books Prefer “She”
Classic grammar texts borrowed many rules from Latin, where subject complements always appear in the subject case.
English teachers carried this approach into classrooms for generations.
As a result, many formal writing guides still recommend:
- This is she.
- It is I.
- That was he.
These expressions emphasize grammatical precision instead of conversational style.
Today, you’ll still encounter them in:
- Legal settings
- Academic writing
- Formal speeches
- Traditional grammar instruction
- Professional phone etiquette
Although they may sound old-fashioned, they remain grammatically defensible.
Examples of Correct Usage
Here are situations where “This is she” fits naturally.
Professional phone call
Receptionist: May I speak with Ms. Carter?
Ms. Carter: This is she.
Business conference
Caller: Is Jennifer available?
Jennifer: This is she. How may I help you?
Formal interview
Interviewer: Am I speaking with Rebecca Allen?
Rebecca: Yes. This is she.
Notice that each conversation involves a professional or formal setting.
In these situations, “This is she” creates a polished first impression while following traditional grammar rules.
FAQs:
Is This Is She grammatically correct?
Yes. This Is She is grammatically correct according to traditional grammar because the linking verb is connects to a subject pronoun. It is still common in formal English, professional settings, and some business conversations.
Why do most people say This Is Her instead?
Most native English speakers use This Is Her because it sounds more natural in everyday English. Over time, modern speech has changed, and this expression has become the preferred choice in casual conversations.
Which expression should I use on the phone?
For most daily conversations, This Is Her is the better choice because it matches natural speech. If you are speaking in a very formal or traditional setting, This Is She is also acceptable.
Is it wrong to say This Is Her?
No. Although older grammar books often favor This Is She, modern English accepts This Is Her. It is widely used by native speakers and is considered correct in informal communication.
How can I remember the difference between the two?
A simple rule is to think about your audience. Use This Is She when you want a formal, traditional style. Use This Is Her in everyday conversations when sounding natural is more important than following older grammar conventions.
Conclusion:
The choice between This Is She or This Is Her depends more on context than on right or wrong. This Is She follows traditional grammar and remains appropriate in formal situations, while This Is Her reflects the way most people naturally speak today. Understanding both forms helps you communicate with confidence, whether you are answering the phone, writing professionally, or simply having a casual conversation. Knowing when each expression fits allows you to sound both accurate and natural in any situation.
