which is proper english?

Question

I've always been told that when someone calls you and asks for you by name, you reply, "this is she", NOT "this is her". Which one really is correct? A girl in my office constantly states, "this is her" and it's driving me nuts!!! Ok, maybe I'm anal!

Answer 1

"This is she" or "speaking"

Answer 2

The correct answer is " This is she ". I feel like I'm hearing nails on a blackboard when people use improper English. We all had the same chance for a good basic education. I see such poor spelling, word usage and totally bad grammar that it makes my head spin. English is a beautiful, flowing language if it is spoken or written properly. Give English a chance ! Perhaps you could leave a copy of " The English Handbook " on her desk. No note and be surprised when she mentions it. It's not anal to want the people you work with to speak properly, afterall, you're all representing the same company and probably have the same job description. Good luck.

Answer 3

Yes, you're right, but that's VERY formal. I've gotton over this by saying "that's me" Or "I am ___" and repeat part of my name. For example, I will say my first name. But if you are refered to by title, you say this is Miss, Mrs., Ms, Dr., or whatever before your name. Your coworker sounds a little backward, and that is definitely not a proper way to answer the phone at work. Better to ignore her mistake and just continue to speak properly yourself.

Answer 4

This is she is correct. So many people use "her" and it drives me nuts too. I advise people in my office to do this:

Caller: May I speak with Sally please?
Employee: This is Sally.

That way you don't have to correct anyone's grammar.

Your co-worker is making your office look bad.

Answer 5

Yes, you're being anal, but being anal is GOOD when it relates to grammar! "This is she." is correct. That bothers me too, when I hear people say "her."

Don't worry--you're not alone. My husband uses the word (not even a real word!!) "boughten." "I should have boughten that shirt while it was on sale. ARGH!! It doesn't matter how many times I tell him that, he never listens.

Answer 6

"This is she" is quite correct, alternatives are "This is (give name)" or "(give name) speaking".although these variations are less formal. Sadly the niceties have been wrenched from our language, often it seems a monosyllabic grunt passes for communication skills these days. Delighted to know I am not alone in my abhorrence caused by the decline in the standards of etiquette during personal communications.

Answer 7

'Her' is never proper because it is a pointing word, and that isn't polite. 'her friend, her car, her butt, etc.
To say 'this is her__________' and leave it dangling like that is a bit on the sloppy side.
On the otherhand, it depends if you are talking to a close friend or a stranger you wish to be cordial with.

Answer 8

"This is she" is correct, since the full sentence would be "This is she (who is speaking)."

It's probably easier just to reply "This is Janet" or "Speaking" as in "(This is Janet) speaking."

When in doubt, I find it helps to put on a posh British accent and see which version sounds more British... it's usually the more grammatical version. ;) Silly, but helpful.

Answer 9

"this is she" is correct, proper English

Answer 10

I believe the correct phrase would be "This is she."

Answer 11

She.