his name

USAGE SUMMARY

"his name" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, "John gave me his name and telephone number."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His name?

The New York Times - Sports

He hated his name.

The New Yorker

"His name is Peanut".

The New York Times

His name was Reuben".

The New Yorker

His name is Ilgauskas".

The New Yorker

"Oh, what's his name?

The New York Times

His name is Marcel.

The New York Times

"His name is Butt!

The New York Times

It gave his name".

The New Yorker

His name was Applejack.

The New York Times - Travel

"What's his name again?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "his name" when referring to the name of a male person or entity previously mentioned. Ensure context is clear to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "his name" when referring to objects or concepts that are not male. In such cases, use "its name" or rephrase for clarity. For example, instead of "The company, his name is...", use "The company, its name is..." or "The company is called...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "his name" functions as a possessive determiner followed by a noun. It indicates that the noun 'name' belongs to or is associated with a male individual. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "his name" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to refer to a male individual's name. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase follows standard English grammar rules. Its prevalence in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and scientific contexts showcases its versatility. Consider context and audience when using "his name", and be mindful of potential errors to maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

his given name

Specifies the name given at birth or christening.

the name he is known by

Emphasizes familiarity and recognition.

what he is called

This focuses on the act of naming or referring to someone.

what people know him as

Focuses on public perception and common knowledge.

the surname he carries

Highlights the family name or last name.

the moniker he goes by

Uses a more informal term ('moniker') for name.

the designation he holds

Emphasizes a formal title or appellation.

the appellation attributed to him

Highlights attribution and formality.

the label assigned to him

Uses 'label,' which can imply a more general or categorizing term.

the handle he uses

Employs slang ('handle') for name, implying informality.

FAQs

How can I use "his name" in a sentence?

You can use "his name" to refer to the name belonging to a male subject. For example, "I asked him for his number, but he only gave me his name."

What's a formal alternative to "his name"?

A more formal alternative to "his name" could be "his full name" or "his designation", depending on the context.

Is it ever appropriate to not mention someone's name?

Yes, it is sometimes appropriate to omit a person's name for privacy or legal reasons. Instead of mentioning "his name", you might say "the individual" or "the person involved".

How does the possessive pronoun "his" affect the meaning of "his name"?

The possessive pronoun "his" indicates ownership or association. Using "his name" specifies that the name belongs to the male subject in question, distinguishing it from someone else's name.