This is she vs. this is her is a linguistic dispute that has persisted in the English language for centuries. The disagreement arises from the different grammatical forms of the phrases "this is she" and "this is her." Both forms are used to identify a person, but they are grammatically distinct and have different implications.
This is she:
This is she is a grammatically correct sentence that uses the subject complement form of the pronoun "she." In this sentence, "she" is the subject of the verb "to be," which makes her the appropriate noun to complete the sentence. This form of expression is commonly used in formal written contexts, such as university essays, academic papers, and thesises, as well as in informal settings like telephone conversations with close friends and family members.
This is her:
On the other hand, this is her is an acceptable alternative to this is she in certain contexts, such as telephone conversations. Although it is grammatically correct, it is less formal than this is she and may sound more natural in casual conversation. This form of expression is commonly used by people who are not concerned about adhering strictly to formal grammar rules, such as those who speak informally or those who wish to avoid sounding too formal.
Grammatical Differences:
The primary grammatical difference between these two phrases lies in the use of the subject pronoun "she" and the object pronoun "her." The subject pronoun refers to the person who is performing the action or being identified, while the object pronoun refers to the person being acted upon or receiving the action. In this case, "she" and "her" are objects of the verb "to be" and cannot be swapped, resulting in this is she being the correct form of expression.
Simplicity versus Formality:
Another significant distinction between these two phrases is the level of formality they convey. This is she is a formal and polite expression that is typically used in written contexts, while this is her is more casual and could potentially sound rude if used in the wrong context. For example, it would be inappropriate to use this is her when addressing a superior in an academic setting or in a formal business meeting, whereas it would be perfectly acceptable to use this is she when chatting with close friends on the phone.
Practical Impact:
In practical terms, both forms of expression are ultimately equivalent, as they serve the same purpose of identifying the intended individual. However, the choice of which one to use depends on the circumstances and the individual's preferences. For instance, if making a call to confirm a dinner reservation, using "this is she" might be more fitting, whereas if trying to introduce yourself to a new acquaintance, "this is her" may sound more natural.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this is she vs. this is her serves as a prime example of how language evolves through time, with different phrases and expressions emerging and changing as society's norms and expectations evolve. Both forms of expression have their strengths and weaknesses, and the most effective one to use in any given situation will depend on the context and the speaker's intentions. Ultimately, whether to use this is she or this is her will come down to personal preference and the level of formality desired in a particular conversation.