Who is it? vs who is that?

Both "Who is it?" and "Who is that?" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "Who is it?" is commonly used when someone is at the door or on the phone and you want to know who is there or calling. On the other hand, "Who is that?" is used when you see someone in the distance or in a group and you want to know their identity.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1468 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially when asking about someone at the door or on the phone.

"Who is it?"

This phrase is typically used when you want to know the identity of someone who is at the door or calling on the phone. It is a polite and common way to inquire about the person's identity.

Examples:

Someone knocked on the door. Who is it?
The phone is ringing. Can you answer it and ask who it is?

Show examples from the web [+]

Who is it? - A guard Mayflower.
Who is it? - Rocket.
I was too embarrassed to say, "Who is it?"
Casa Conde Sanseverino. Who is it? I'm Peppinio!
Who is it? Colonel Procolo.
Who is it? It's me, Vincenzo.
Who is it? - I am Tommaso.
Who is it? - (Tresinella) There is Don Emidio.
Who is it? - Conductor, sir.
~ Who is it? ~ Antonio's Mauro's nephew.
Who is it? - The bloke whose garden we destroyed.
Who is it? - Hello? I'm Wendy Hebert.
Who is it? -Your neighbor, Ruben.
With "Who is it?" you can challenge your knowledge about sports, politics, movies, music and models.
"Who is it?" is not a permission.
"Who is it?" said a little voice from within.
"Who is it?" he called, yawning and rubbing his eyes.
Who is it? - it's Rosa.
Who is it? - Alberto.
Who is it? - Father, we need help.

Alternatives:

Who is there?
Who is at the door?
Who is calling?
Who is speaking?
Who is on the line?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially when asking about the identity of someone you see in the distance or in a group.

"who is that?"

This phrase is typically used when you want to know the identity of someone you see in the distance or in a group. It is a common way to inquire about who a person is.

Examples:

Who is that standing over there?
I can't see clearly. Who is that in the picture?
Who is that talking to Sarah?

Show examples from the web [+]

Seriously, fred, who is that?
Wait if that's Kenji then who is that?
Who is that? - My boss.
Who is that? "Gabe could"?
Holy May, who is that?
Seriously, you guys, who is that?
That man that my father's talking to - who is that?
JN: I see. And who is that?
- that voice, who is that?
(Voice breaks) Wh-who - who is th - who is that?
And that guy you brought, who is that?
"Who is that?" the courtier asked.
~ Who is that? ~ Wait until I explain.
Who is that? - Help me!
Who is that? That's Ingeus!
Is he breathing or what? who is that? check him out.
- Shawn Decker, who is that?
And I said, who is that?
I'm being released into the custody of the FBI who is that?
That noise, who is that?

Alternatives:

Who is that person?
Who is that guy?
Who is that girl?
Who is that man?
Who is that woman?

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Who is it? vs who is that?

"Who is it?"

"who is that?"

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