This is She vs. This is Her – Which is Correct?

The choice between “this is she” and “this is her” depends largely on formality and grammatical tradition. While “this is she” is considered grammatically correct according to prescriptive rules, treating “she” as a predicate nominative, “this is her” is widely accepted and more common in everyday spoken English. Both are understood, but “this is she” lends a more formal tone.

This is she or This is her – Which is Correct?

The distinction between “this is she” and “this is her” lies in a grammatical rule concerning predicate nominatives and the evolution of language usage. Prescriptive grammar dictates that a pronoun following a linking verb (like “is”) should be in the subjective case because it renames the subject. In this view, “she” (subjective case) is correct as it refers back to “this.” However, descriptive grammar acknowledges how language is actually used by native speakers, and “this is her” (using the objective case pronoun) has become the standard in spoken and informal written English due to its natural flow and widespread acceptance.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

To remember the difference, think about the pronoun’s role. If the pronoun is renaming the subject after a linking verb, it should theoretically be in the subjective case. A simple trick is to consider a more formal context, such as answering the phone. While many say “This is her,” the more grammatically aligned response is “This is she.” For everyday conversation, “this is her” is perfectly acceptable and expected. If you want to sound strictly correct or formal, use “she.” If you want to sound natural and conversational, use “her.”

Word/Phrase	Grammatical Role	Usage Context	Example
This is she	Predicate Nominative (Subjective Case)	Formal, prescriptive grammar, often in telephonic introductions.	“Hello, may I speak to Dr. Evans?” “This is she.”
This is her	Objective Case (Colloquial Usage)	Informal, everyday spoken English, common descriptive usage.	(Pointing to a photo) “Look, this is her from our trip.”

How to Use she

In the context of “this is she,” the pronoun “she” functions as a predicate nominative (also called a predicate pronoun). This means it follows a linking verb (like “is,” “am,” “are,” “was,” “were,” “seem,” “become”) and renames or identifies the subject. According to traditional grammatical rules, pronouns used as predicate nominatives should always be in the subjective case (I, he, she, we, they, who). This usage is considered more formal and strictly correct, often appearing in contexts like formal introductions or when answering the phone.

Example 1: “May I speak to Ms. Johnson?” “Yes, this is she speaking.”

Example 2: When the door opened, the person standing there was indeed she.

Example 3: If anyone can solve this complex problem, it is she.

What are the different forms of she?

The pronoun “she” is a third-person singular feminine pronoun. Its forms change depending on its grammatical case:

• Subjective Case: she (used as the subject of a sentence or as a predicate nominative)
• Objective Case: her (used as the object of a verb or preposition)
• Possessive Adjective: her (used before a noun to show possession)
• Possessive Pronoun: hers (used to stand alone and show possession)

Etymology of the word she

The pronoun “she” has a somewhat mysterious and debated etymology compared to other English pronouns. It emerged in Middle English, likely from a combination of Old English forms and possibly influenced by Old Norse. While “he” and “it” have clear Old English roots, “she” replaced the Old English feminine pronoun “hēo” (which sounded similar to “he”), possibly to avoid confusion. Some theories suggest a connection to Old English demonstrative pronouns or even a Scandinavian origin, but no single definitive source is universally accepted.

Similar considerations of case apply when deciding between Her and I vs. Her and Me in compound subjects or objects.

How to Use her

In the phrase “this is her,” the pronoun “her” is in the objective case. While traditionally “her” would not be used as a predicate nominative, its use in this construction has become standard in modern, informal, and conversational English. This reflects a descriptive approach to grammar, where common usage often overrides prescriptive rules. Most native speakers would naturally say “this is her” when identifying themselves or someone else in an informal setting, and it is widely accepted as grammatically correct in everyday speech.

Example 1: (On the phone) “Hi, is Sarah there?” “Yeah, this is her.”

Example 2: (Looking at old photos) “Wow, this is her when she was just a baby!”

Example 3: “Who brought the amazing cookies?” “Oh, this is her right here!”

What are the different forms of her?

The pronoun “her” is a third-person singular feminine pronoun, serving multiple functions:

• Objective Case: her (used as the object of a verb or preposition, e.g., “I saw her,” “Give it to her.”)
• Possessive Adjective: her (used before a noun to show possession, e.g., “her book,” “her car.”)
• Subjective Case: she (the subject form, e.g., “She went to the store.”)
• Possessive Pronoun: hers (used to stand alone and show possession, e.g., “That book is hers.”)

Etymology of the word her

The word “her” has clear Old English roots, deriving from the Old English dative and genitive forms of the third-person feminine pronoun “hēo.” In Old English, the dative case was “hiere” and the genitive was “hire.” Over time, these forms merged and evolved into the single form “her” in Middle English, which then took on both objective and possessive adjective roles in modern English. It shares its Germanic origins with similar pronouns in other Germanic languages.

Related Concepts

Understanding a broader grammatical concept helps clarify the nuance between “this is she” and “this is her,” specifically regarding pronoun cases and linking verbs.

• Predicate Nominative (or Predicate Pronoun): This is a noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb (such as “is,” “am,” “are,” “was,” “were,” “seem,” “become”) and renames or identifies the subject of the sentence. According to prescriptive grammar, pronouns used as predicate nominatives must be in the subjective case (e.g., I, he, she, we, they).
• Pronoun Case: Pronouns change their form (or “case”) depending on their grammatical function in a sentence. The main cases are subjective (for subjects and predicate nominatives: I, he, she, we, they), objective (for objects of verbs or prepositions: me, him, her, us, them), and possessive (to show ownership: my/mine, his, her/hers, our/ours, their/theirs).

Examples from Media and Literature

• From a formal telephonic exchange: “Is this Mrs. Henderson?” “Yes, this is she.” (Reflecting prescriptive grammar)
• In a historical novel depicting polite society: “When the Queen finally appeared, everyone murmured, ‘Indeed, it is she!'”
• From a popular sitcom: (Character pointing at a photo) “Oh my gosh, this is her from high school!” (Reflecting colloquial usage)
• In a news report about a missing person: “The police confirmed that the woman found was indeed her.” (Common descriptive usage)
• A character in a contemporary play, answering a call: “Hello? Oh, hey! Yeah, this is her.” (Natural, informal dialogue)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. “May I speak to the manager?” “Yes, this is _____.” (she/her)
2. (Pointing to a picture) “Look at this old photo! This is _____ when she was five.” (she/her)
3. If anyone is responsible for this brilliant idea, it is _____. (she/her)
4. “Who called?” “It was _____ from the office.” (she/her)
5. When the award winner was announced, the crowd cheered, “It is _____!” (she/her)

Answer Key

1. she (formal, predicate nominative) OR her (informal, commonly accepted)
2. her (informal, descriptive usage)
3. she (formal, predicate nominative)
4. her (informal, commonly accepted)
5. she (formal, predicate nominative)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is “this is her” always incorrect?
No, “this is her” is not always incorrect. While prescriptive grammar considers “this is she” to be strictly correct, “this is her” is widely accepted and commonly used in informal and conversational English. It is considered grammatically correct by descriptive grammarians who observe actual language usage.

Question 2: When should I use “this is she” versus “this is her”?
Use “this is she” in formal contexts, such as professional phone calls, academic writing, or when you want to adhere strictly to traditional grammar rules. Use “this is her” in casual conversations, informal emails, text messages, or any situation where a natural, conversational tone is preferred.

Question 3: Does the same rule apply to other pronouns, like “this is him” vs. “this is he”?
Yes, the same principle applies to other pronouns. Prescriptively, “this is he” would be considered correct (predicate nominative), while “this is him” is the more common and accepted form in everyday spoken English for masculine pronouns.

Conclusion

The choice between “this is she” and “this is her” highlights the dynamic nature of the English language, balancing traditional prescriptive rules with modern descriptive usage. While “this is she” remains the grammatically prescriptive choice, particularly in formal settings, “this is her” has become the standard in everyday conversation due to its natural flow and widespread acceptance. Understanding both allows you to navigate different communication contexts effectively. Pro Tip: In professional or academic settings, opting for “this is she” can demonstrate a nuanced understanding of formal grammar, enhancing your credibility.