Editor's Corner

Good morning!

I’ve been asked this question quite a few times: “When someone calls on the phone and asks for me, should I respond, ‘This is her’ or ‘This is she’”?

Well, between those two choices, the correct response is “This is she,” and I’ll tell you why. He and she are nominative, meaning they are the subject of the verb. He and she are subjects; him and her are objects. These examples might help:

• She (subject) gave me a big tip.
• I (subject) gave a big tip to her (object).

To better understand why “This is she” is correct, maybe it will help to switch the words around. You’ll find that “she is this” makes more sense that “her is this.”

But you do have other choices. If someone calls and asks for you, you can respond with your name, for instance, I would say, “This is Donna.” Or you could simply say, “Speaking.”

Or if you’re in a feisty mood, don’t even give them a chance to ask for you:

Donna Bradley Burcher | Senior Technical Editor | Symitar®

8985 Balboa Ave. | San Diego, CA 92123 | Ph. 619.278.0432 | Ext: 765432

About Editor’s Corner

Editor’s Corner keeps your communication skills sharp by providing information on grammar, punctuation, JHA style, and all things English. As editors, we spend our days reading, researching, and revising other people’s writing. We love to spend a few extra minutes to share what we learn with you and keep it fun while we’re doing it.

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