When answering the telephone...

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	Guest  #43284  Wed, 25 Aug 04 12:24 AM Hello, When answering the telephone and the person calling asks for you, is the proper reply "This is him/her" or "This is he/she"? Thanks for the assistance with this one.    Guest

	Mister Micawber  #43293  Wed, 25 Aug 04 01:12 AM Both grammar and usage would suggest 'this is s/he'. The alternative is considered substandard.    Mister Micawber Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004 Yokohama Veteran Member (20,199) 'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'
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	mjs  #43298  Wed, 25 Aug 04 01:41 AM I agree, but I have had people in my office argue this one.    mjs Joined on Wed, Aug 25 2004 New Member (02)

	Mister Micawber  #43301  Wed, 25 Aug 04 01:53 AM Are they grammarians? Welcome to English Forums, Mis.    Mister Micawber

	mjs  #43303  Wed, 25 Aug 04 02:00 AM Thank you, Mister M. No, they are, as a whole, dangerously undereducated. In my family, however, grammarians abound!    mjs

	Mister Micawber  #43304  Wed, 25 Aug 04 02:04 AM I have a formidable heritage myself. Well, have fun here-- there is certainly plenty to do.    Mister Micawber

	CalifJim  #43351  Wed, 25 Aug 04 06:55 AM I am not being facetious with this: Most people I know ( and I myself ) in that situation say "Speaking." No need to stress out over a controversial word choice. --Is Jim there? -- Speaking.    CalifJim Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004 California Veteran Member (16,496) "There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche