its name was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "its name was" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the name of an object, character, or entity in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "In the ancient tale, the dragon was feared by all, and its name was Zephyr."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It belonged to Phil, and its name was Molly.

The New York Times

Its name was changed and it subsequently failed.

The New York Times

Its name was Whitelines, and it had white lines inside.

The New Yorker

It didn't help the Ritz that its name was a symbol of the rich life.

The New York Times

Its name was Snoopy.

The New York Times

Its name was Europe.

The Economist

Its name was Humayun.

The New Yorker

Its name was Alawa.

The New Yorker

Its name was the one….

The New Yorker

Its name was Argenteuil.

The New York Times - Arts

Its name was Blevins, also from McCarthy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing historical narratives, use "its name was" to introduce a person, place, or thing's original or most recognized name before further details.

Common error

Avoid confusing "its" (possessive) with "it's" (contraction of "it is"). "Its name was" shows ownership, meaning the name belonged to it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "its name was" functions as a linking phrase, specifically to introduce or clarify the name of a subject. It connects a description or prior mention of something to its formal or recognized name, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "its name was" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves the primary function of introducing or clarifying the name of a subject, typically in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, it is versatile enough for both formal and informal writing. When aiming for increased formality or precision, consider using alternatives such as "it was designated as" or "it was formerly known as".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was named

This alternative is phrased in the passive voice, focusing on the action of naming rather than the prior state.

it was called

This alternative uses a more common verb to indicate naming, suitable for less formal contexts.

its designation was

This alternative is suited to formal or technical contexts where precise labeling is important.

its title was

This alternative is appropriate when referring to books, movies, or other artistic works.

it formerly went by

This alternative indicates a previous name, suggesting a change or evolution.

it was previously known as

This alternative is useful when discussing historical names or rebranding efforts.

its original name was

This alternative specifies that the subsequent name may be different from the original.

the moniker was

This alternative is more informal and implies a nickname or less official name.

it bore the name of

This alternative is literary and suggests a connection to a person or place.

they had named it

This alternative shifts the focus to the act of naming done by a specific group of people.

FAQs

How do I use "its name was" in a sentence?

Use "its name was" to introduce the name of something previously referred to, or to provide additional context about a subject. For example, "The company faced many challenges, but "its name was" synonymous with quality."

What's a more formal alternative to "its name was"?

For more formal writing, consider using phrases like "it was designated as" or "it was formerly known as". These options lend a more professional tone compared to the more common "its name was".

Is it ever incorrect to use "its name was"?

While grammatically correct, "its name was" might be stylistically inappropriate in highly technical or scientific writing where more precise language is preferred. In those contexts, consider "it was identified as" or "it was classified as".

What's the difference between "its name was" and "it was called"?

"Its name was" emphasizes the name as a possession or attribute. "It was called" is a more direct and common way to state what something is named. While similar, "it was called" is generally more versatile and less formal.