name

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "name" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a person or thing's title or label. For example, "My name is John Smith."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What's in a name?

The New York Times

His name?

The New York Times - Sports

"What's your name?" "Marjorie".

The New York Times

The author's name has been changed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We are able to change the name on the ticket if you are unable to attend and choose to have another party attend in your place.

The Guardian

"We will stay up on the balcony for as long as it takes," said a 21-year-old woman who gave her name as Mouse.

The Guardian

"My name is Jesse," he said.

The Guardian - Music

Woods is too big a name for his sponsors to simply abandon him, even though Gatorade has discontinued its Tiger line (for other reasons, it says).

The Economist

He thanked the X Factor host, Dermot O'Leary, and Caroline Flack, the presenter of its ITV2 spin-off show The Xtra Factor, before appearing briefly to forget the name of the show's new co-host, Matt Richardson.

The Guardian

The right to use your name and county of residence for the sole purpose of identifying you as the author of your entry and/or as a winner of the Competition.

The Guardian

It's studded with turmeric, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, pimento, mace, bay, you name it.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to designate someone for an important role, be clear why this person deserves it.

Common error

Avoid using "name" interchangeably with terms like "reputation" or "identity" when the context requires a specific title or designation. While related, they carry distinct meanings.

Linguistic Context

The word "name" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a word or words by which someone or something is known. It can also function as a verb, meaning to give a name to or to mention. Ludwig's examples showcase its diverse usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "name" is a versatile term, functioning primarily as a noun to identify or label entities, but also as a verb to designate or mention. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and its frequency is very common, especially in news and media. When seeking alternatives, consider words like "appellation" or "designation" to align with the intended nuance. While "name" is broadly applicable, awareness of its specific context—whether formal, informal, or technical—ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appellation

Refers specifically to the formal name or title given to someone or something; often used in formal contexts.

designation

Implies assigning a specific name or title for a particular purpose or role.

title

Focuses on the formal name of a book, movie, or other creative work, or a person's professional rank.

moniker

Suggests an informal or playful name, often a nickname.

label

Highlights the act of categorizing or identifying something with a specific term.

term

A general word or phrase used to describe or refer to something.

identify

This focuses on determining who or what something is

style

The particular way in which something is done, named or presented.

identity

The fact of being who or what a person or thing is

reputation

The beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use "name" in a sentence?

You can use "name" as a noun, such as "What is your name?" or as a verb, such as "They name their daughter Lily".

What's the difference between "name" and "title"?

"Name" generally refers to the identifying word or phrase for a person, place, or thing. "Title" often refers to a more formal designation, such as the title of a book or a professional designation.

What can I say instead of "in the name of"?

Depending on the context, you could use "on behalf of", "representing", or "under the authority of" as alternatives to "in the name of".

When is it appropriate to change a "name"?

Changing a "name" is appropriate for various reasons, including personal preference, marriage, gender transition, or to avoid negative associations.