state your name

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'state your name' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used in a formal setting such as a job application or when introducing yourself in a business setting. For example: On this application, please state your name and address.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

During the roll call, ALWAYS STATE YOUR NAME.

WikiHow

Grand Master should say: "STATE YOUR NAME", and every person will say their name, including the person that just entered.

WikiHow

Referee: State your name for the record.

The New York Times

State your name and netid.

Cornell University

"State your name and your business".

The Guardian - Books

Please state your name at the tone".

The New York Times

"I, state your name—" The audience, already liquored up, obliged.

The New Yorker

Will you state your name please, sir. 'Mr. TAVENNER.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

When videoconferencing with many sites, start your comment or question by stating your name.

Stanford University

Just send an e-mail to stating your name, position, and if you will be applying for financial support.

University of California, Berkeley

"They stopped everyone in the small little circle where everyone was and then they were putting cameras in people's faces telling them to state their name and that – police identification cameras, basically stating your name.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In telecommunications or voice recordings, follow "state your name" with a request to spell it for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "state your name" in casual conversations; it's generally more appropriate for formal situations like legal proceedings or official registrations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state your name" functions as an imperative, directly instructing someone to provide their name. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI, which indicates its use in formal settings. The examples showcase it in roll calls, legal contexts, and formal introductions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

14%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "state your name" is a grammatically correct imperative phrase used to formally request identification. Ludwig AI confirms its suitability for formal contexts. With a "Very common" frequency, the phrase appears most often in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. While effective in formal settings, it should be avoided in casual conversation where more polite alternatives are preferred, such as "please tell me your name" or "may I have your name".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify yourself

Directly asks for identification, similar to stating one's name.

please tell me your name

A more polite and verbose way of asking for someone's name.

what is your name

A straightforward question requesting someone's name.

may I have your name

A formal and polite way to request someone's name.

can you give me your name

Asks for someone's name, with a slightly less formal tone than "may I have your name".

your name, please

A concise and direct request for someone's name, often used in customer service.

what should I call you

Inquires about someone's preferred name or title.

who are you

A broader question seeking someone's identity, not just their name.

name please

A short and informal way to ask for someone's name.

tell me who you are

Asks for someone's identity with a slightly demanding tone.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "state your name"?

The phrase "state your name" is most appropriate in formal contexts, such as legal proceedings, official registrations, or when conducting a roll call. It's less suitable for casual conversations.

What is a more polite way to ask someone to "state your name"?

You can use phrases like "please tell me your name", "may I have your name?", or "could you please tell me your name?" These options are generally perceived as more courteous.

Is there a difference between "state your name" and "what is your name"?

Yes, "state your name" is a command or instruction, often used in formal settings. "What is your name?" is a direct question suitable for most situations, including informal ones.

Are there alternatives to using "state your name" in a professional setting?

Yes, in a professional setting, you might prefer alternatives like "identify yourself" or "please provide your name". These phrases maintain a level of formality while sounding less abrupt.