Many English learners and native speakers alike get confused when choosing between “This is she” and “This is her.” The confusion usually arises because both expressions are heard in everyday conversations, yet grammar books often provide different explanations about which one is correct. Understanding the difference is important because it helps you communicate more clearly and confidently in both formal and informal situations. While the two phrases may seem similar, they follow different grammatical traditions and levels of formality.
Traditionally, grammar rules consider “This is she” the correct form because the pronoun after the linking verb “is” should be in the subjective case. According to this rule, the sentence is equivalent to saying “She is this person.” As a result, formal grammar guides and older style manuals often recommend using “This is she,” especially when identifying yourself on the phone.
However, modern English usage has evolved over time. In everyday conversation, most people naturally say “This is her” because it sounds more natural and conversational. Today, both expressions are widely understood, but their appropriateness depends on context, audience, and formality. Learning when and why to use each option can help you make the right choice in any communication setting.
This Is She or This Is Her? The Quick Answer
If you’re looking for the short answer, here it is:
Traditional grammar considers “This is she” correct.
However:
Modern conversational English commonly uses “This is her,” and most native speakers consider it natural and acceptable in everyday speech.
For example:
Phone conversation
Person A: May I speak with Sarah?
Person B: This is she. ✓ Traditional grammar
Person B: This is her. ✓ Common modern usage
Both versions appear regularly in English. The choice often depends on context, formality, and personal preference.
Why Does the “This Is She or This Is Her” Debate Exist?
The debate exists because English grammar follows rules that don’t always match the way people naturally speak.
Traditional grammar focuses on structure and correctness. Everyday speech focuses on communication and ease.
Over time, spoken English evolves faster than grammar rules. As a result, phrases that were once considered incorrect sometimes become widely accepted.
“This is her” represents a perfect example of that evolution.
While grammar textbooks often teach “this is she,” most casual conversations favor “this is her.”
Understanding the reason requires a closer look at pronouns.
Understanding Subject and Object Pronouns
Before deciding whether to use “this is she” or “this is her,” you need to understand two types of pronouns.
Subject Pronouns
Subject pronouns perform actions.
Examples include:
- I
- You
- He
- She
- We
- They
Examples in sentences:
- She works at the hospital.
- He plays soccer.
- They travel frequently.
In each sentence, the pronoun acts as the subject.
Object Pronouns
Object pronouns receive actions.
Examples include:
- Me
- You
- Him
- Her
- Us
- Them
Examples:
- I called her.
- They invited him.
- She helped me.
Here, the pronouns function as objects.
Understanding this distinction helps explain why traditional grammar prefers “this is she.”
Why Traditional Grammar Says “This Is She”
Traditional grammar treats the verb “to be” differently from most verbs.
Words such as:
- Is
- Am
- Are
- Was
- Were
are called linking verbs.
A linking verb doesn’t show action. Instead, it connects two elements that refer to the same person or thing.
Consider this sentence:
Sarah is the manager.
Both “Sarah” and “the manager” refer to the same person.
Traditional grammar applies the same principle here:
This is she.
The word “this” refers to the speaker.
The word “she” also refers to the speaker.
Since both terms identify the same person, traditional grammar uses a subject pronoun rather than an object pronoun.
That is why grammar textbooks often consider “This is she” correct.
The Grammar Rule Behind “This Is She”
The rule comes from something called a predicate nominative.
A predicate nominative follows a linking verb and renames the subject.
Examples:
- It is I.
- This is she.
- The winner is he.
Although these examples sound formal today, traditional grammar views them as technically correct.
For centuries, educators taught these structures as standard English.
As language changed, however, everyday usage began moving in another direction.
Why Most People Say “This Is Her”
Language evolves through use.
People rarely think about predicate nominatives during casual conversations. Instead, they rely on what sounds natural.
For many English speakers:
- This is her sounds natural.
- This is she sounds formal.
- This is she sometimes sounds old-fashioned.
As spoken English evolved, object pronouns became more common after linking verbs.
That change created expressions such as:
- It’s me.
- This is her.
- That’s him.
- It was them.
Today, these constructions dominate everyday speech.
What Linguists Say About This Is She vs This Is Her
Modern linguists often distinguish between two approaches to language.
Prescriptive Grammar
Prescriptive grammar focuses on rules.
It answers questions like:
- What is technically correct?
- What should people say?
- Which form follows traditional standards?
According to prescriptive grammar:
This is she.
Descriptive Grammar
Descriptive grammar studies how people actually speak.
It asks:
- What do native speakers commonly say?
- How is language used in real life?
- What patterns appear naturally?
According to descriptive grammar:
This is her.
Both perspectives provide valuable insights.
One explains grammatical tradition.
The other reflects modern communication.
Formal English vs Everyday English
Context matters when choosing between “this is she” and “this is her.”
The best choice often depends on your audience.
| Situation | Preferred Expression |
| Academic writing | This is she |
| Grammar lessons | This is she |
| Formal telephone conversation | This is she |
| Job interview | Either |
| Business call | Either |
| Casual conversation | This is her |
| Family and friends | This is her |
| Everyday speech | This is her |
In modern society, very few people would criticize someone for saying “this is her.”
Read More: “I’ve Added” vs. “I Added”: The Complete Guide to Using Both Correctly in English
Real-Life Examples of This Is She and This Is Her
Understanding examples helps reinforce the difference.
Phone Call Example
Caller: May I speak with Emily?
Response:
- This is she.
- This is Emily.
- This is her.
All three responses work.
The first sounds formal.
The second sounds neutral.
The third sounds conversational.
Workplace Example
Receptionist: Is this Ms. Johnson?
Employee:
- This is she.
- Speaking.
- Yes, this is Ms. Johnson.
All are acceptable.
Casual Example
Friend: Is Jessica there?
Jessica:
- Yep, this is her.
This response sounds completely natural in modern English.
Which Sounds More Natural Today?
If you listen to everyday conversations, you’ll hear “this is her” far more often than “this is she.”
Several factors explain this shift:
- Informal communication dominates modern life.
- Spoken English favors simpler patterns.
- People rarely study traditional grammar deeply.
- Language naturally evolves over time.
As a result, “this is her” often feels more comfortable to contemporary speakers.
That doesn’t make “this is she” incorrect.
It simply reflects changing language preferences.
Historical Evolution of the Phrase
English grammar has changed dramatically throughout history.
Centuries ago, formal grammar strongly influenced educated speech.
Expressions such as:
- It is I.
- This is she.
- That was he.
appeared frequently.
As spoken English developed, speakers gradually adopted simpler constructions.
Examples include:
- It’s me.
- This is her.
- That’s him.
These newer forms became increasingly common during the twentieth century.
Today, many native speakers never use the traditional versions outside formal settings.
Similar Grammar Debates in English
The “this is she or this is her” discussion belongs to a larger group of grammar debates.
It Is I vs It Is Me
Traditional:
It is I.
Modern:
It’s me.
Most people say “it’s me.”
This Is He vs This Is Him
Traditional:
This is he.
Modern:
This is him.
Again, modern speech usually favors the second option.
That Was She vs That Was Her
Traditional grammar prefers:
That was she.
Everyday speech usually prefers:
That was her.
Who vs Whom
Traditional:
To whom did you speak?
Modern:
Who did you speak to?
Language trends consistently move toward simpler structures.
Common Mistakes Related to This Is She or This Is Her
Many learners make related pronoun errors.
Using Subject Pronouns as Objects
Incorrect:
She called I.
Correct:
She called me.
Using Object Pronouns as Subjects
Incorrect:
Her went to the store.
Correct:
She went to the store.
Overcorrecting Grammar
Some people learn that “this is she” is technically correct and begin forcing similar constructions everywhere.
That can create awkward sentences.
Understanding context remains important.
A Practical Rule for Modern English
If you’re unsure which phrase to use, consider your situation.
Use “This Is She” When:
- Taking formal business calls
- Following traditional grammar instruction
- Writing educational material
- Participating in highly formal communication
Use “This Is Her” When:
- Speaking casually
- Talking with friends
- Communicating naturally
- Using everyday English
Most situations today comfortably allow either version.
Case Study: Customer Service Communication
Imagine two customer service representatives.
Representative A
Customer: May I speak with Jennifer?
Jennifer: This is she.
The response sounds polished and professional.
Representative B
Customer: May I speak with Jennifer?
Jennifer: This is her.
The response sounds friendly and conversational.
Neither response creates confusion.
Both successfully communicate the same information.
This example demonstrates how context often matters more than strict grammatical rules.
What English Teachers Usually Recommend
Many teachers explain both forms rather than insisting on one.
A modern classroom often teaches:
- “This is she” follows traditional grammar.
- “This is her” reflects common modern usage.
- Students should recognize both expressions.
This balanced approach helps learners understand real-world English rather than memorizing rules in isolation.
Easy Memory Trick for This Is She vs This Is Her
Try this simple trick.
Replace the phrase with:
She is speaking.
Not:
Her is speaking.
Since “she” functions as the subject, traditional grammar favors:
This is she.
However, remember that modern usage frequently accepts “this is her.”
The trick helps explain the rule, even if everyday conversation often bends it.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Is She or This Is Her
Is “This Is Her” Grammatically Wrong?
Not according to modern usage.
Traditional grammar prefers “this is she,” but contemporary English widely accepts “this is her.”
Is “This Is She” Old-Fashioned?
Some people perceive it as formal or old-fashioned.
Others simply view it as professional and grammatically precise.
Which Expression Do Americans Use More Often?
Most Americans use “this is her” in casual conversation.
Which Version Sounds More Professional?
Many people consider “this is she” slightly more formal.
However, “this is her” remains acceptable in most professional situations.
Will People Notice the Difference?
Usually not.
Most listeners focus on the conversation rather than the grammatical structure.
Can I Use Either One?
Yes.
Both expressions communicate effectively.
Choose based on your audience and preferred level of formality.
Conclusion
The debate between “This is she” and “This is her” highlights the difference between traditional grammar rules and modern language usage. From a strict grammatical perspective, “This is she” is considered correct because it uses the subjective pronoun after a linking verb. This form is often preferred in highly formal situations and traditional writing.
In everyday speech, however, “This is her” has become the more common and natural expression. Most native speakers use it without hesitation, and it is widely accepted in casual communication. Rather than viewing one form as completely right and the other as wrong, it is more helpful to understand the context in which each is used. By recognizing the difference between formal grammar and common usage, you can communicate effectively and confidently in any situation.
