Who is it? vs who is this?

Both "Who is it?" and "Who is this?" are correct phrases in English, 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 this?" is used when you receive a call from an unknown number and you want to know who is speaking.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1414 views

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

"Who is it?"

This phrase is used to inquire about the identity of someone who is at the door or calling on the phone.

Examples:

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

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 on the line?
Who is speaking?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially when you receive a call from an unknown number and want to know who is speaking.

"who is this?"

This phrase is used to ask for the identity of the person calling, especially when the caller's identity is unknown.

Examples:

Hello, who is this?
I received a call from an unknown number. Can you find out who is this?

Show examples from the web [+]

Seriously, Frank, who is this?
I'm sorry, who is this?
Robert Shapiro here, who is this?
I'm her boyfriend, who is this?
I mean, who is this?
You're serious. I mean, who is this?
If neither of us booked this meeting, who is this? I'm your couples counselor.
Sorry, wh... who is this?
I know that part, Ma, but who is this?
Associate professor - who is this? Rank of assistant professor
Who... who... who is this?
This is Stella Isen, who is this?
Who is this? - Well, it's not your clerk.
Who is this? ...and talk to me.
Who is this? It's Anna.
Who is this? - You know who this is. Baby...
They look at me like, Who is this?
And my wife would go, Who is this?
Who is this? It is Temu, the dweller in his disk, but others say that it is Ra when he riseth in the eastern horizon of the sky.
Who is this? Menu is Horis, the Advocate of his father [Osiris], and his coming forth means his birth.

Alternatives:

Who is calling?
Who is speaking?
May I ask who is calling?
Who am I speaking to?
Who is on the line?

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Who is it? vs who is this?

"Who is it?"

"who is this?"

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