is this person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is this person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about the identity or status of an individual, often in a context where clarification is needed. Example: "I saw someone at the event, and I couldn't help but wonder, is this person someone I should know?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Who is this person?

The New York Times

How valuable is this person?

Independent

What is this person thinking?

The New York Times

"I was like: 'Who is this person?

The New York Times

"It's, O.K., who is this person?

The New York Times - Sports

-Where is this person from?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Who was this person?

The New York Times - Travel

O.K., that's this person.

The New Yorker

Was this person a furrier?

The New York Times

-What are this person's professional achievements?

The New York Times

Who was this person called St. Valentine?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is this person", ensure the context provides enough information to understand who or what the query is referring to. Ambiguity can confuse the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "is this person" without proper context. Ensure the audience knows who or what "this person" refers to to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is this person" serves as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about the identity, qualities, or situation of an individual. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase often appears in contexts where clarification or more information is needed about the person in question.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

26%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

11%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is this person" is a versatile and grammatically sound interrogative used to inquire about an individual's identity, characteristics, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is deemed correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, academic, and wiki contexts. To improve clarity, ensure the context clearly defines who "this person" refers to. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "who is this individual?"

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Who is this individual?

Replaces "person" with the more formal "individual".

What is this person's background?

Focuses on the person's history and experiences.

What are this person's qualities?

Asks about the person's attributes and characteristics.

How would you describe this person?

Seeks a descriptive overview of the person.

What is this person known for?

Focuses on the person's reputation or accomplishments.

What's this person all about?

An informal way of asking about someone's overall character and motivations.

What makes this person tick?

Explores the person's motivations and driving forces.

What's the story with this person?

A colloquial way to inquire about someone's situation or background.

Who do you think this person is?

Implies speculation or uncertainty about the person's true nature or intentions.

What kind of person is this?

Inquires about the individual's character and general personality.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is this person" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can use phrases like "who is this individual" or "what is this person's background", depending on the context.

What questions typically follow "is this person"?

Common follow-up questions include: "is this person safe?", "what is this person like?", or "why is this person important?", depending on what you want to know.

Is it correct to say "was this person" instead of "is this person"?

Yes, "was this person" is correct when referring to someone in the past or someone who is deceased, while "is this person" refers to someone in the present.

How can I use "is this person" in a sentence?

You can use "is this person" to inquire about the identity or characteristics of someone. For example: "I saw someone at the event, and I couldn't help but wonder, is this person someone I should know?"