Is “Is This Is She” Proper Grammar? A Complete Guide to Subject and Object Pronouns
The phrase “is this is she” often appears in writing or conversation, especially when people are unsure about the correct pronoun to use after the linking verb is. In reality, “is this is she” is not grammatically correct. At first glance, the sentence looks awkward, and many readers immediately sense that something is wrong. Understanding why it fails and how to replace it with a proper alternative can help you communicate more clearly and confidently in both formal and informal contexts.
Introduction
When you ask “is this is she?” you are trying to inquire about the identity of something or someone. In practice, the intention is clear, but the construction violates basic English grammar rules. The correct version depends on whether you need a subject pronoun (who performs the action) or an object pronoun (who receives the action). That's why in this article, we will explore the grammatical principles behind is this is she, explain when to use “is this she? ” versus “is this her?”, and provide practical steps to avoid similar errors. By the end, you will have a solid grasp of how to choose the right pronoun and why the original phrase is incorrect.
Why “Is This Is She” Is Incorrect
The core problem with “is this is she” lies in the double use of is and the misuse of the pronoun she. In English, a linking verb like is connects the subject to a subject complement, which can be a noun or a pronoun in the nominative case (subject form). The sentence should contain only one verb and one pronoun The details matter here..
- Redundant Verb – Is already appears once in the phrase. Adding a second is creates a tautology and breaks sentence structure.
- Wrong Pronoun Case – She is a subject pronoun, but after a linking verb like is, the complement can be either a subject pronoun (she) or an object pronoun (her), depending on the intended meaning. Using is twice and then she does not follow any standard grammatical pattern.
Because of these errors, “is this is she” is never considered proper grammar in standard English And that's really what it comes down to..
Subject Pronouns vs. Object Pronouns
To choose the correct pronoun after is, you need to understand the difference between subject pronouns and object pronouns.
- Subject pronouns (nominative case) are used as the subject of a sentence or clause. Examples: I, you, he, she, it, we, they.
- Object pronouns (accusative case) are used as the object of a verb or preposition. Examples: me, you, him, her, it, us, them.
When a linking verb like is connects the subject to a complement, the complement can be either a subject pronoun or an object pronoun, but the choice depends on the grammatical role you want to underline Not complicated — just consistent..
When to Use “Is This She?”
“Is this she?” is grammatically correct and is used in formal or emphatic contexts. It treats the pronoun as a subject complement, asking about the identity of the person in a way that mirrors the structure of a question like “Is she this?” (though the latter sounds awkward). Use this form when:
- You are speaking in a formal setting (e.g., a courtroom, a scholarly discussion).
- You want to stress the subject’s identity.
- You are following a style guide that prefers subject pronouns after linking verbs.
Example:
Is this she the manager we were expecting?
When to Use “Is This Her?”
“Is this her?” is the more common and informal construction. Here, her functions as an object pronoun because it follows the verb is in a question that seeks information about the object of the linking verb. Native speakers often use this form in everyday conversation Most people skip this — try not to..
Example:
Is this her laptop?
Both “Is this she?That's why ” and “Is this her? ” are acceptable, but the choice depends on tone and context It's one of those things that adds up. And it works..
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even advanced writers sometimes mix up subject and object pronouns. Below are frequent errors and straightforward corrections:
| Incorrect Phrase | Correct Version | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| *Is this is she? | ||
| Is this him? | *Are these us?Day to day, * | *Is this she? In real terms, use we after are for subject complement. On top of that, * |
| *Is this us? That's why * or *Is this her? * (formal) or Is this him? (informal) | Him is object pronoun; after a linking verb, he is correct in formal style. * (if referring to a group) or Is this us? | *Is this he?Because of that, * (colloquial) |
| Is this theirs? (archaic) | Theirs is already an object pronoun; their’s is not standard. |
To avoid these pitfalls, always ask yourself: Am I using the pronoun as a subject or as an object? Then match it with the appropriate case.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Choosing the Right Pronoun
- Identify the Verb – Determine if the verb is a linking verb (is, am, are, was, were) or an action verb.
- Spot the Complement – The word following the verb is the complement (the pronoun you need to choose).
- Ask “Subject or Object?” –
- If the pronoun is acting as the subject of the clause, use a subject pronoun (he, she, they).
- If the pronoun is acting as the object of the verb or preposition, use an object pronoun (him, her, them).
- Consider Formality – In formal writing, prefer subject pronouns after linking verbs (Is this she?). In casual speech, object pronouns are common (Is this her?.
- Proofread – Read the sentence aloud. If it sounds off, revisit the pronoun choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can “
Q: Can “Is this her?” ever be grammatically correct?
A: Yes. Although traditional grammar treats the pronoun after a linking verb as a subject complement—calling for a subject pronoun like she—modern English widely accepts object pronouns in informal contexts. “Is this her?” is standard in everyday conversation, casual emails, and spoken English. Here's the thing — the distinction is largely a matter of register, not intelligibility. In real terms, if you are writing for a publication or style guide that mandates subject pronouns after linking verbs, opt for “Is this she? Because of that, ” Otherwise, “Is this her? ” will not confuse readers or listeners Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
Q: Does this rule apply to other pronouns?
A: It does. The same subject-versus-object distinction applies to he/him, they/them, and we/us after linking verbs. Formal: *Is this he? Are these they?Day to day, * Informal: Is this him? Are these them? Consistency within a single document matters more than the specific choice you make.
Conclusion
Choosing between “Is this she?So ” and “Is this her? Formal writing that prefers subject pronouns after linking verbs should use “Is this she?” without causing confusion. ” ultimately depends on context and the style guide you follow. ” Informal speech and casual writing commonly use “Is this her?By identifying the linking verb, assessing the pronoun’s function, and considering your audience, you can select the form that best fits your tone—and avoid the redundant or mismatched constructions that trip up even experienced writers It's one of those things that adds up. That's the whole idea..
