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Mr. Tom Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

"This is Tom" VS "It is Tom"

Hi

Would you say that both of the following sentences sound equally natural on the phone?

Hi, it's Tom.

Hi, this is Tom.

Thanks,

Tom
  

Top answer

Both forms are used. The first feels abbreviated and casual; you'd use it when you know the other person well and expect them to immediately recognise who you are. The second feels slightly less casual and might (though not necessarily) be followed by a full name and reminder/explanation of who you are.

— Mr Wordy

  • Both forms are used.
  • The first feels abbreviated and casual; you'd use it when you know the other person well and expect them to immediately recognise who you are.
  • The second feels slightly less casual and might (though not necessarily) be followed by a full name and reminder/explanation of who you are.
  • The version in your subject line -- "It is Tom" -- would not be used.
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5 Answers
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Both forms are used. The first feels abbreviated and casual; you'd use it when you know the other person well and expect them to immediately recognise who you are. The second feels slightly less casual and might (though not necessarily) be followed by a full name and reminder/explanation of who you are.

The version in your subject line -- "It is Tom" -- would not be used.
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Thanks, Mr. Wordy!

What about the person on the other end? I mean, which one of the following is better.

Is that Tom?

or

Is this Tom?

Tom
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Mr. Tom
What about the person on the other end? I mean, which one of the following is better.

Is that Tom?

or

Is this Tom?

The first is more natural to me, but the second is also heard. To me, the second suggests less familiarity between the speaker and (in this case) Tom.
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Hi. As to the following two sentences written (provided) by Mr. Tom in his first post, which started this tread, would you say "Tom" is the subject? If it is, then what are the words "It" and "This"?

Sentences by Mr. Tom:

Hi, it's Tom.

Hi, this is Tom.
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Hi, this is Tom.

..you may also 'highlight' a part of the text and press 'Quote'
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