who it is

USAGE SUMMARY

"who it is" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is typically used to ask or state the identity of a person or thing. Example: "I heard a knock at the door, but I'm not sure who it is."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We know who it is".

The New York Times

You know who it is?

Independent

No matter who it is.

The New York Times

"God knows who it is.

The New York Times

Everyone looks to see who it is.

The New Yorker

Mobile Banking: Look who it is.

The New Yorker

I see roughly who it is".

Independent

"I don't care who it is.

The New York Times - Sports

It depends on who it is.

The New York Times

Guess who it is.

The Guardian - Sport

/ We wonder who it is.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "who it is" when you want to know or express the identity of someone, especially when the identity is uncertain or being revealed.

Common error

Avoid using "who it is" when you need to refer to a quality or characteristic of a person. Stick to identities rather than attributes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "who it is" functions as a noun clause, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies or refers to a person's identity, often in situations where the identity is unknown or being revealed. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "who it is" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that functions as a noun clause, primarily used to identify or refer to a person's identity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid and well-supported by numerous examples across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, its formality depends on the surrounding context. When aiming for more formal alternatives, consider "the person in question" or "the individual involved". Avoid using "who it is" when referring to qualities rather than identities. Overall, this phrase is a versatile and accepted part of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

who that is

Similar structure, but uses "that" instead of "it" to refer to a person, implying a more specific individual.

what person it is

Changes the word order slightly, adding emphasis to the 'what' aspect.

what their name is

Focuses specifically on discovering someone's name.

the person in question

A more formal way to refer to someone whose identity is being discussed.

the individual involved

Another formal alternative, suitable for professional or academic contexts.

who they might be

Expresses uncertainty or speculation about someone's identity.

their identity

Focuses on the concept of identity rather than the person themselves.

the one concerned

A slightly more archaic phrasing referring to someone connected to a situation.

the subject at hand

Used when discussing a person as the topic of conversation or investigation.

the aforesaid person

A formal way to refer back to someone previously mentioned.

FAQs

How can I use "who it is" in a sentence?

You can use "who it is" in questions like "Do you know "who it is" at the door?" or in statements like "The board knows "who it is", and the individual knows "who it is"".

What's a more formal way to say "who it is"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "the person in question" or "the individual involved", depending on the specific context.

Is "who it is" grammatically correct?

Yes, "who it is" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage.

What's the difference between "who it is" and "who is it"?

"Who is it" is a direct question, while "who it is" is used in indirect questions or statements where you are referring to someone's identity.