she has a name

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she has a name" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone and emphasizing that they are known by a specific name. Example: "In the story, the protagonist is often referred to as 'the girl,' but it's important to remember that she has a name."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"She has a name, btw.

The Guardian - Music

Clinton said: "Donald, she has a name".

The Guardian

"Donald, she has a name: Her name is Alicia Machado".

The New York Times

"She has a name recognition that resonates globally".

The New York Times

After a pause, Clinton said, "Donald, she has a name: Her name is Alicia Machado".

The New Yorker

'She has a name': Amazon's Alexa is a sleeper hit, with serious superfans Through the letterbox: the secret life of an Amazon reviewer.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

That was her, she had a name".

The Guardian - Arts

Miranda knew it was going to be a girl, and she had a name ready: Akyia Nicole.

The New York Times - Sports

I was standing there, looking up at my mother who if she had a name I didn't know it.

The New York Times

Our host was not merely rich: she had a name that through long association with money had itself become a shorthand for wealth.

The New Yorker

Within weeks, he said, she had a name and an adoptive family and was appearing regularly in the weekly magazine.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she has a name" to emphasize the individual's identity, especially when they have been previously referred to generically or impersonally.

Common error

Avoid using "she has a name" when simply introducing someone for the first time. It's more appropriate when correcting a previous lack of identification or highlighting the importance of recognizing their identity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she has a name" primarily functions as a declarative statement used to assert or remind someone that an individual, often previously unidentified or misidentified, possesses a distinct identity. This statement, as supported by Ludwig, serves to emphasize the person's individuality. It is a simple phrase with a complex impact, often used to rectify a perceived slight or dehumanization.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she has a name" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that emphasizes the importance of recognizing an individual's identity. As Ludwig AI explains, the expression intends to assert someone's individuality. It is especially powerful when correcting a previous lack of identification or impersonal reference. While semantically similar phrases like "her name is" exist, they lack the corrective and emphatic impact of the query. Remember to use it thoughtfully, primarily in contexts where emphasizing someone's identity is crucial, avoiding overuse in simple introductions. In short, the phrase is a potent tool for advocating recognition and respect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

her name is

Directly states the person's name, providing a simple identification.

she is known as

Highlights a person's recognized or established name.

she is called

Indicates the name by which someone is known or addressed.

she is identified as

Focuses on the act of recognizing or labeling someone with a name.

she answers to

Emphasizes the name to which the person responds.

she goes by the name of

Specifies the name a person prefers or is commonly known by.

you can call her

Suggests a name to use when referring to someone.

her designation is

More formal way to refer to a person's name or title.

we refer to her as

Highlights how a specific group refers to the person.

her moniker is

Uses a less common term for name, often implying a nickname.

FAQs

How can I use "she has a name" in a sentence?

Use "she has a name" to emphasize a person's identity, especially when they've been referred to impersonally. For example, "Instead of calling her 'the victim', remember "she has a name": it's Sarah."

What are some alternatives to "she has a name"?

Alternatives include stating the person's name directly with phrases like "her name is" or "she is called". You could also use "she is known as" or "she is identified as".

When is it appropriate to use "she has a name"?

It's appropriate when correcting someone who has used a generic term or label for a person, or when you want to remind people of the individual's humanity. It's less suitable for simple introductions.

What's the difference between "she has a name" and "her name is"?

"She has a name" emphasizes the importance of recognizing someone's identity, while "her name is" simply states their name. The former carries a stronger emotional or corrective weight.