En 15 secondes
- Use it to introduce people or things nearby.
- Perfect for phone calls to identify yourself.
- Always followed by a singular name or noun.
Signification
You use this phrase to present a person, place, or thing to someone for the first time. It is like pointing a finger to show what you are talking about.
Exemples clés
3 sur 7Introducing a friend at a party
This is my friend, Alex.
This is my friend, Alex.
Starting a professional phone call
Hello, this is Dr. Smith calling.
Hello, this is Dr. Smith calling.
Showing someone a new house
This is the kitchen.
This is the kitchen.
Contexte culturel
Introductions usually follow a 'hierarchy' where you introduce the younger person to the older person, or the lower-ranking person to the higher-ranking one. On phone calls, 'This is [Name]' is more professional than 'I am [Name].' It sounds more established and clear. The phrase 'This is [Topic]' is a popular meme/caption format used to define an aesthetic or a mood. Australians often use 'This is' very casually, sometimes followed by a nickname, to create an immediate sense of 'mateship.'
The Phone Rule
Always use 'This is' when identifying yourself on a phone call. It sounds much more natural than 'I am'.
Plural Trap
Don't say 'This is my friends.' Always check if you are talking about one or many!
En 15 secondes
- Use it to introduce people or things nearby.
- Perfect for phone calls to identify yourself.
- Always followed by a singular name or noun.
What It Means
This is is your best friend for introductions. It connects a person or thing to its name or identity. Think of it as a verbal spotlight. You use it to tell your listener exactly what is in front of them right now. It is simple, direct, and very powerful.
How To Use It
Place This is right before the name or noun. If you are introducing a friend, say This is Sarah. If you are showing off your new phone, say This is my new phone. It works for people, objects, and even abstract ideas. You can also use the contraction This's, but it is hard to say. Most people just stick to the full version. It is the first step in almost every English conversation.
When To Use It
Use it when meeting new people at a party. Use it when showing a tourist a famous landmark. It is perfect for business meetings when introducing a colleague. You also use it on the phone to identify yourself. You might say, Hello, this is John. It helps the other person know who is talking immediately. It is the ultimate icebreaker for any social situation.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for people who are far away. If they are across the street, use That is instead. Also, do not use it for more than one person. If you have two friends, say These are. Using This is for a group sounds like you forgot how many friends you have! Avoid using it for yourself in person. You should say I am instead of This is when standing right there.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, introductions are a sign of respect. Using This is makes everyone feel included in the group. It removes the awkwardness of not knowing names. In the UK and US, it is common to add a small detail after. For example, This is Mike, he loves football. This gives people something to talk about. It is the 'social glue' of the English language.
Common Variations
In very formal settings, you might hear May I introduce. But This is is much more common. On the phone, it is the standard way to start. In a text, you might see it used with a photo. People often say This is it! when they finally find what they want. It is a versatile little phrase that fits everywhere.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is incredibly stable across all English dialects. It is considered neutral and is safe to use in 99% of social and professional situations.
The Phone Rule
Always use 'This is' when identifying yourself on a phone call. It sounds much more natural than 'I am'.
Plural Trap
Don't say 'This is my friends.' Always check if you are talking about one or many!
Eye Contact
When saying 'This is [Name],' look at the person you are talking TO, then gesture toward the person you are introducing.
Exemples
7This is my friend, Alex.
This is my friend, Alex.
The most common way to introduce someone socially.
Hello, this is Dr. Smith calling.
Hello, this is Dr. Smith calling.
Standard phone etiquette to identify yourself.
This is the kitchen.
This is the kitchen.
Used to identify a specific room or place.
This is the best pizza ever!
This is the best pizza ever!
Used to describe the subject of a photo.
This is Sir Fluffington, the king of the couch.
This is Sir Fluffington, the king of the couch.
Giving a pet a grand introduction.
This is the ring my grandmother gave me.
This is the ring my grandmother gave me.
Introducing an object with sentimental value.
This is our CEO, Ms. Jenkins.
This is our CEO, Ms. Jenkins.
Simple and respectful for high-level introductions.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to introduce your friend, Sarah.
Mom, _______ Sarah.
We use 'This is' for one person near us.
Fill in the blank for a phone introduction.
Hello, _______ is David from the bank.
On the phone, we use 'This is' to identify ourselves.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
Situations: 1. One book in your hand, 2. Two books in your hand, 3. A person on the phone.
Singular items and phone IDs use 'This is'; plurals use 'These are'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Who is that in the photo? B: _______ my grandfather.
While 'This is' points to the photo, 'He is' describes the person. Both work, but 'This is' is best for identifying.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'This is'
People
- • Friends
- • Family
- • Bosses
Objects
- • Food
- • Tools
- • Gifts
Places
- • Rooms
- • Cities
- • Buildings
Digital
- • Phone calls
- • Photos
- • Videos
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMom, _______ Sarah.
We use 'This is' for one person near us.
Hello, _______ is David from the bank.
On the phone, we use 'This is' to identify ourselves.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Singular items and phone IDs use 'This is'; plurals use 'These are'.
A: Who is that in the photo? B: _______ my grandfather.
While 'This is' points to the photo, 'He is' describes the person. Both work, but 'This is' is best for identifying.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! This is the standard way to identify yourself in a picture or video.
It is used in speaking, but you should never write it. Always write 'This is'.
It's a convention that helps the listener identify the voice as a 'thing' or 'entity' on the other end of the line.
Absolutely. 'This is London' or 'This is my house' are perfect.
'This is' identifies what something is. 'Here is' focuses on the location or the act of giving it to someone.
In modern English, 'This is him' is common and natural. 'This is he' is very formal and rare.
Yes, it's a great 'hook.' For example: 'This is a story about a dog...'
Say 'This is Sarah and this is Tom' or 'These are my friends, Sarah and Tom.'
Yes, it is neutral and safe. For extra politeness, use 'I'd like to introduce...'
Yes, or the contraction 'This isn't.' Both are correct.
Expressions liées
These are
builds onThe plural form of 'This is'.
That is
contrastUsed to identify something far away.
Meet...
similarA more active way to introduce someone.
I'd like you to meet
specialized formA formal introduction.
Here is
similarPresenting an object.
