This is Him or This is He: Understanding the Grammar Behind the Confusion
The question of whether to say “this is him” or “this is he” often trips up even native English speakers. While both phrases are commonly used in casual conversation, the correct form depends on understanding the rules of grammar, particularly those governing subject complements and case usage. This article will explore the grammatical principles behind these phrases, clarify common misconceptions, and provide practical guidance for choosing the right form in different contexts.
The Grammatical Rule: Subject Complements and Case
In English grammar, the verb “be” (am, is, are, was, were) functions as a linking verb. When used in this way, it connects the subject of a sentence to a subject complement, which describes or identifies the subject. The subject complement must agree in case with the subject And that's really what it comes down to..
For example:
- Subject: This
- Verb: is
- Subject Complement: he
Here, “he” is in the subjective case because it is the complement of the subject “this.” So, the grammatically correct form is “this is he.”
That said, in everyday speech, many people use “this is him” because it feels more natural. This discrepancy arises from the evolution of English, where the objective case (him) has increasingly replaced the subjective case (he) after linking verbs.
Examples of Correct Usage
To better understand the rule, consider the following examples:
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Formal Writing:
- “This is he, the new CEO of the company.”
- “The winner is she, and she will receive the prize.”
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Informal Speech:
- “This is him, the guy I told you about.”
- “The winner is her, and she looks so happy!”
Notice that in formal contexts, the subjective case (he, she) is used, while in casual speech, the objective case (him, her) is more common.
Why Do People Say “This is Him”?
The preference for “this is him” in modern English stems from several factors:
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Natural Speech Patterns: In everyday conversation, people tend to use the objective case after linking verbs without realizing it. As an example, “It’s me” is far more common than “It’s I.”
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Influence of Prepositions: After prepositions, the objective case is always correct. Here's a good example: “between him and me” is proper, which might lead to confusion when applying the same logic to linking verbs That's the part that actually makes a difference..
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Style Guides and Modern Usage: Some contemporary style guides, such as The Chicago Manual of Style, acknowledge that “this is him” is acceptable in informal contexts, even if “this is he” remains the traditional choice.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Mixing Cases Incorrectly:
- ❌ “This is him and her.”
- ✅ “This is he and she.”
When multiple subject complements are used, both should be in the subjective case.
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Confusing Object and Subject Roles:
- ❌ “This is him who called you.”
- ✅ “This is he who called you.”
The relative clause “who called you” refers back to the subject complement “he,” not the object The details matter here. Still holds up..
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Overcorrecting in Casual Contexts:
While “this is he” is grammatically correct, using it in informal settings might sound overly formal or stilted. For example:- ❌ “Hello, this is he. May I speak to John?”
- ✅ “Hello, this is him. May I speak to John?”
FAQ: Clarifying Common Questions
Q: Is “this is him” ever correct?
A: Yes, in informal speech and modern usage, “this is him” is widely accepted. On the flip side, in formal writing or academic contexts, “this is he” is preferred.
Q: What about “it’s me” vs. “it’s I”?
A: “It’s me” is the standard in everyday English. “It’s I” is grammatically correct but sounds archaic or overly formal.
Q: Why does “this is he” sound awkward?
A: Because the subjective case (he) is rarely used after linking verbs in modern English. Our ears are accustomed to the objective case (him), making “this is he” feel
The lingering discomfort manyspeakers feel when they hear “this is he” isn’t merely a quirk of grammar; it reflects a broader tension between prescriptive rules and the way language actually evolves in use. Here's the thing — in everyday conversation, the ear is trained to expect the same form that follows a preposition — him, her, them — after a linking verb. This expectation is reinforced by the prevalence of contractions and informal constructions such as “it’s me” or “that’s us.” When a speaker deliberately inserts the subjective case, the result can sound stiff, even theatrical, because it deviates from the rhythm listeners have internalized.
The Role of Contextual Flexibility
Context often determines which form feels most natural. In a formal presentation, a speaker might opt for “this is he” to align with the expectations of an academic audience, but the same speaker would likely switch to “this is him” when answering a phone call. The shift isn’t arbitrary; it mirrors the speaker’s assessment of the interlocutor’s tolerance for elevated language. Similarly, in written communication, a cover letter addressed to a hiring manager may employ “this is he” to project professionalism, whereas a quick text to a friend would default to “this is him.” The decision, therefore, becomes a subtle negotiation between clarity, tone, and audience.
Comparative Examples Across Pronouns
The same pattern applies to other personal pronouns, though the subjective‑objective distinction becomes less salient for the first‑person plural and second‑person forms. Consider the following pairings:
- “This is we who arrived early.” – Grammatically sound, but rarely heard; speakers more often say “This is us who arrived early.”
- “That’s you who called.” – Acceptable in both formal and informal registers; the objective form aligns with the verb’s complement.
- “It was they who won.” – Prescriptively correct, yet colloquially replaced by “It was them who won.”
These variations illustrate that the tension between case forms is not uniform; nouns and pronouns with fewer morphological distinctions (like you) experience less pressure to conform to the subjective case.
Prescriptive Guidance in Modern Style Manuals
Contemporary style guides have begun to acknowledge the practical realities of everyday speech. The Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition) notes that while “this is he” remains the technically correct construction, “this is him” is widely accepted in informal contexts and even permissible in certain formal writings when the emphasis is on clarity rather than stylistic purity. Similarly, the AP Stylebook advises writers to favor the form that best fits the surrounding tone, leaving the final choice to the author’s discretion. This shift reflects a broader movement in linguistic scholarship: the recognition that language is a living system, and rigid adherence to outdated prescriptions can hinder effective communication.
Teaching the Distinction Without Overburdening Learners
For educators and language learners, the key is to present the rule as a tool rather than a law. Introducing the concept of subject‑complement case helps students understand why “this is he” sounds formal, but also encourages them to experiment with both forms in appropriate settings. Classroom activities might include:
- Role‑playing a formal interview where the interviewee must answer the phone with “This is he speaking.”
- Writing a short narrative that switches between “this is she” and “this is her” to convey a character’s evolution from stiffness to ease.
Such exercises make the abstract rule tangible, allowing learners to internalize when each form serves a rhetorical purpose The details matter here..
The Bottom Line
The debate over “this is he” versus “this is him” encapsulates a larger dialogue about linguistic identity and social perception. While traditional grammar books champion the subjective case as the “correct” option, modern usage leans toward the objective form in most everyday contexts. The choice ultimately rests on three factors:
- Audience expectations – Formal or academic audiences may reward the prescriptive form.
- Desired tone – A speaker aiming for polished diction may select “this is he,” whereas a conversational tone favors “this is him.”
- Natural rhythm – The ear’s comfort with the objective case often dictates the most fluent-sounding option.
By recognizing these variables, writers and speakers can figure out the gray area between correctness and elegance, selecting the construction that best serves their communicative goals.
Conclusion
In the final analysis, the pronoun debate is less about a binary right‑or‑wrong answer and more about aligning
Navigating this nuanced discussion requires an appreciation for how language evolves alongside social norms. The dialogue between “this is he” and “this is him” highlights the balance between precision and practicality, reminding us that effective communication often thrives on adaptability rather than strict adherence to rules. Plus, as educators and writers, embracing this flexibility empowers learners to wield language confidently across diverse scenarios. Now, ultimately, the goal remains clear: to convey meaning with clarity and authenticity, while staying attuned to the context that shapes our words. This balance not only enhances understanding but also enriches the richness of everyday expression Took long enough..
