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Newguest Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Is it .../Is he

Is he Tom's uncle?
Is it Tom's uncle?

How about: "Is that Tom's uncle?"

--- Can I use "is it"? Or is only "is he" correct?
  

Top answer

' regardless the Tom's uncle presence. It does not matter if he is far away, close, or even not present (just like when you ask someone by looking at a photograph). ' is used when the person is far away or not present (again, questioning a photograph etc).

— Lebrante

  • ' regardless the Tom's uncle presence.
  • It does not matter if he is far away, close, or even not present (just like when you ask someone by looking at a photograph).
  • ' is used when the person is far away or not present (again, questioning a photograph etc).
  • ' is used to demand a yes or no through third party medium, such as mobile phone etc.
  • That is all in my opinion...
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4 Answers
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you can use 'Is he Tom's uncle?' regardless the Tom's uncle presence. It does not matter if he is far away, close, or even not present (just like when you ask someone by looking at a photograph). 'Is that...' is used when the person is far away or not present (again, questioning a photograph etc). While 'Is it...' is used to demand a yes or no through third party medium, such as mobile phone etc.
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Looking at an old picture:
Who is the man standing behind Tom in the photo. Is he Tom's uncle?

In the theater:
Who's that person sitting behind Tom over there? Is it Tom's uncle?

Someone knocking at the door:
Who is it? It's me, Tom's uncle.

Pointing to a man: Is that Tom's uncle?
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How about:

Is it uncle Tom?

Yes, it is.

Although I suppose a better answer would be: "Yes, that's him!"
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NewguestHow about:Is it uncle Tom?Yes, it is.Although I suppose a better answer would be: "Yes, that's him!"
In the appropriate context, yes.
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