be the name of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be the name of" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in a context where one is discussing the identity or title of something, but it is not commonly used. Example: "To truly understand the character, one must be the name of the hero in the story."

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Blessed be the name of the Lord".

The New Yorker

That could be the name of an Impressionist painting.

The New York Times - Arts

For others, replacement will be the name of the game.

The New York Times

Collaboration has to be the name of the game.

The Guardian

This turns out to be the name of Ben's mother.

The Guardian

Scale seems to be the name of the game".

The New York Times

Yet formality needn't always be the name of the game.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Westbeth will be the name of the project.

The New Yorker

Improving quickly may be the name of the game this season.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

What should be the name of your generation?

The New York Times

If a string is supplied, it should be the name of a data system.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that while acceptable, the phrase may sound slightly indirect. Consider who your audience is and choose a phrase that feels appropriate for your overall tone and style.

Common error

Avoid using "be the name of" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise and direct alternatives like "is entitled" or "is designated" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be the name of" primarily functions as a linking verb phrase connecting a subject to a noun phrase that identifies or defines the subject's name or title. Ludwig shows this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

23%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be the name of" functions as a connector, linking a subject to its name or title. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically acceptable but suggests a neutral register, suitable for a variety of contexts, as shown in the analyzed sources. While it appears frequently in news and media, it's crucial to consider more direct alternatives like "is called" for enhanced clarity, especially in formal writing. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its versatility, but writers should remain mindful of tone and precision, selecting alternative phrasings where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is called

A simpler, more direct way of indicating a name.

is known as

Suggests common knowledge or recognition.

is referred to as

Highlights the act of referring to something by a particular name.

is identified as

Offers a more neutral alternative, suitable for various contexts.

is entitled

Implies a formal title or designation.

bears the name of

A more formal and emphatic way of saying something is named.

is designated as

Replaces the original phrase with a more formal expression indicating official naming.

is labeled as

Focuses on the act of assigning a label or category.

goes by the name of

Indicates a preferred or informal name.

is christened

Emphasizes naming in a ceremonial or official context.

FAQs

What's a more direct way to say "be the name of"?

You can use simpler alternatives such as "is called" or "is known as" depending on the context. These options often provide more clarity and conciseness.

How can I use "be the name of" in a sentence?

This phrase is generally used to define or specify the name of something, as in "The winning strategy will "be the name of" the game." Make sure it fits the overall tone of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be the name of"?

It's suitable when you want to emphasize the significance of a particular name or title, or when discussing the selection or designation of a name. Consider whether alternative phrases like "is identified as" would provide a better fit.

Is "be the name of" formal or informal?

The phrase tends to be neutral but can sometimes sound slightly indirect. In more formal contexts, using phrases like "is designated as" or "is entitled" might be preferable. Evaluate the overall formality of your writing to make the best choice.