this is what you were looking for vs it is what you were looking for

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "This is what you were looking for" is more commonly used and sounds more natural when referring to something specific that is present or visible. On the other hand, "It is what you were looking for" can be used when emphasizing the confirmation of a general idea or concept.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 4590 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"this is what you were looking for"

This phrase is used to confirm that the current item or situation is the one the person was searching for.

Examples:

This is what you were looking for - the perfect gift for your friend.
This is what you were looking for - the solution to your problem.
This is what you were looking for - the key to success.

Show examples from the web [+]

I'm not exactly sure this is precisely what you were looking for.
Is this what you were looking for?
Is this what you were looking for, earlier?
Is this what you were looking for in Benjamin's apartment?
Mr. Harry, is this what you were looking for?
Is this more like what you were looking for?
Is this more like what you were looking for?
I think "thank you" is what you were looking for, because frankly,
That's what you were - looking for in her room.
I found what you were looking for.
I found what you were looking for last night.
Perhaps if I knew what you were looking for...
But you didn't know what you were looking for.
About Santorini, what you were looking for.
Selena had me believing that was what you were looking for.
But I'm guessing that wasn't what you were looking for.
Colby didn't tell me much about what you were looking for, to be honest.
This what you were looking for, Detective?
Detective daniels was very specific about what you were looking for in Dr. Schafer's car, and nowhere does it mention dog hair.
Of course, I knew the moment you stepped off the train what you were looking for...

Alternatives:

Here is what you were looking for
That is what you were looking for
This is exactly what you were looking for
This is the thing you were looking for
This is what you've been searching for

This phrase is correct but less commonly used than the first one.

"it is what you were looking for"

This phrase is used to confirm that a general idea or concept matches what the person was seeking.

Examples:

It is what you were looking for - a solution to your problem.
It is what you were looking for - the answer to your question.
It is what you were looking for - the perfect opportunity.

Alternatives:

This is what you were looking for
That is what you were looking for
Here is what you were looking for
This is exactly what you were looking for
This is the thing you were looking for

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this is what you were looking for vs it is what you were looking for