provide a name

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide a name" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to give you a specific name, whether it's for a person, place, or thing. Example: "To complete the registration form, please provide a name for the account holder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Under the plan, anyone who boards must provide a name.

The New York Times

Until the police provide a name, "suspect" is off limits, he explained.

The New Yorker

No one else interviewed outside the church was willing to provide a name.

The New York Times

However, Coplan did not provide a name or outline what disciplinary action, if any, would be taken.

Independent

To transfer money using Liberty Reserve, a user needed only to provide a name, address and date of birth.

The New York Times

Users had to provide a name, address and date of birth, but the firm did not verify the information.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

However, the HOSE system does not provide a named chemical category assignment nor does it provide an ontology or a defined chemical taxonomy.

Journal of Cheminformatics

"Saul provides a name, I provide proof of death, return to the drop, get another name".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Responding to an account request usually involves providing a name and an address.

The New York Times

Both groups advise providing a name and identification only if a demonstrator is arrested.

The New York Times

In 1968, the year Steinbeck died, the F.B.I. provided a name check on him to the White House.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting someone's name in a formal context, "provide a name" is a polite and clear way to phrase the request. For example: "Please provide a name and contact information."

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear whose name you are requesting. Instead of simply saying "Please provide a name", clarify with "Please provide the name of the primary contact" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide a name" functions as a request or instruction, typically within a sentence, asking someone to give their name or the name of something. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from formal registration to identifying individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provide a name" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to request or instruct someone to give a name. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is frequently found in News & Media, Science and Wiki contexts, with a neutral to professional register. Alternative phrases include "give a name" and "supply a name". When using this phrase, clarity is key to avoid ambiguity about whose name is being requested.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give a name

A more direct and common synonym for "provide a name".

supply a name

Similar to "give a name", but slightly more formal.

offer a name

Implies a more voluntary action of giving a name.

furnish a name

More formal and less common than "provide a name".

state a name

Focuses on the act of verbally declaring a name.

declare a name

Similar to "state a name", but with a stronger emphasis.

submit a name

Often used when providing a name for official records.

nominate a name

Giving a name for consideration, often in a formal process.

designate a name

Assigning a name, typically in an official context.

identify oneself

Similar meaning, focusing on the action of someone revealing their own name.

FAQs

How to use "provide a name" in a sentence?

You can use "provide a name" to ask someone to give a name. For example, "Could you please provide a name for the project?" or "All participants must provide a name and email address".

What can I say instead of "provide a name"?

You can use alternatives like "give a name", "supply a name", or "offer a name" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "provide a name"?

It's appropriate in situations where you need someone to officially state or record a name, whether it's for identification, registration, or other formal purposes. For example, you might ask someone to "provide a name" when signing up for a service or filling out a form.

Is it more formal to say "provide a name" than "give a name"?

Yes, "provide a name" is generally considered more formal than "give a name". While both are correct, "provide" carries a slightly more official tone, making it suitable for professional or formal contexts.