my name is

USAGE SUMMARY

"my name is" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when introducing yourself or when asking someone what their name is. For example: "Hello, my name is John."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My name is.

Independent

"My name is Mika".

The New York Times

"My name is Koniuk.

The New York Times

"My name is Maht".

The New Yorker

My name is unknown.

The New Yorker

"My name is Complete".

The New Yorker

jobs, my name is mentioned.

The New York Times - Sports

"Mzee, my name is Karume.

The New Yorker

My name is Irina Falconi.

The New York Times

My name is Emily.

Cornell University

My name is Thinh.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "my name is" to clearly and directly state your name, ensuring clarity in both spoken and written communication.

Common error

Avoid using contractions like "my name's" in formal writing. While acceptable in casual conversation, "my name is" provides a clearer and more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my name is" serves as an identifying declarative. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is a standard way to introduce oneself, functioning to provide essential information about one's identity. This aligns with its grammatical purpose of stating a fact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "my name is" is a grammatically correct and exceedingly common phrase used for self-introduction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While appropriate in most contexts, it's particularly effective in formal or professional environments. Remember to avoid contractions like "my name's" in formal writing. Alternatives like "I am called" or "You can call me" offer varied levels of formality. When clarity matters, "my name is" is the go-to choice for making a clear and professional introduction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Let me introduce myself, my name is

A formal way to introduce oneself

I am called

Uses a passive construction, which might sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned.

People call me

Focuses on how others refer to the speaker, rather than a direct self-introduction.

I go by

Indicates the name the speaker commonly uses, which might not be their full legal name.

You can call me

Invites informality by suggesting a preferred name or nickname.

I'm known as

Similar to 'I go by,' but can also refer to a reputation or alias.

They call me

Similar to 'People call me' but less common in first-person introductions.

This is

Often used when introducing oneself over the phone or in a group setting.

The name's

A shortened, and slightly informal way to introduce yourself.

Allow me to introduce myself, I am

A very formal and polite way to introduce oneself.

FAQs

How can I use "my name is" in a sentence?

"My name is" is typically followed by your name to introduce yourself. For example, "Hello, "my name is" John Smith."

What are some alternatives to saying "my name is"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I am called", "You can call me", or simply "I'm" followed by your name. The choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "my name is"?

While grammatically correct, using "my name is" might sound overly formal in very casual settings. In those cases, "I'm" or "I'm called" might be more appropriate.

When should I use "my name is" versus just stating my name?

Use ""my name is"" when a formal introduction is needed or when clarity is essential. Simply stating your name works in informal settings.