"who are you" vs "who did you say you were"

Question

"who are you" vs "who did you say you were"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Who did you say you were?' is used when someone has already mentioned their identity and the speaker is seeking confirmation. 'Who are you?' is a more direct question asking for the person's identity.

Last Updated: March 12, 2024

This phrase is a direct question asking for the person's identity without any prior mention or need for confirmation.

Examples:

Who are you and what do you want?
Excuse me, who are you?
Who are you looking for?
Who are you talking to?
Who are you going with?

Alternatives:

What's your name?
May I ask who you are?
Could you introduce yourself?
Can you tell me who you are?
What is your identity?

This phrase is used when someone has already mentioned their identity, and the speaker is seeking confirmation or clarification.

Examples:

I'm John. - Who did you say you were?
She's my cousin. - Who did you say you were?
The new manager is Sarah. - Who did you say you were?

Alternatives:

Can you repeat your name, please?
Could you remind me who you are?
Can you confirm your identity again?
Can you clarify who you are?
Can you tell me your name again?

Answer 1

who are you

This phrase is correct and commonly used to directly ask for someone's identity.

Answer 2

who did you say you were

This phrase is correct and commonly used when seeking confirmation of a previously mentioned identity.

"who are you" vs "who did you say you were"

who are you

who did you say you were

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