their names are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their names are" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a list of people, for example, “Their names are John, Mary, and Julie.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their names are legion.

The New Yorker

Their names are strange.

The New York Times - Style

Their names are Marco and Claudia.

The New Yorker

Their names are Smith, Jones & Robinson.

The New Yorker

"Their names are very secret," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Their names are Shaft, Dick, and Stretch.

The New Yorker

"People know what their names are.

The New York Times

Their names are colorful and entertaining.

The New York Times

Their names are not significant.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(Both their names are pseudonyms).

The New York Times - Books

Their names are listed in the Study.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse in formal writing. In more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "they are known as" or "they are identified as" to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Ensure that the subject you're referring to is plural. Using "their names are" with a singular subject creates a grammatical error. Instead, use "his name is" or "her name is".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their names are" serves as an introductory phrase to explicitly state or list the names of multiple individuals or entities. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, from news reports to academic papers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

14%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science & Research

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "their names are" is a grammatically sound and frequently used introductory phrase for listing names. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and applicable across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure grammatical correctness by applying it to plural subjects and considering more formal alternatives for specific professional contexts. Its role is to set the stage for introducing individuals or entities, ensuring clarity and providing essential identification to your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the names they use are

Emphasizes the choice or usage of specific names.

they are called

Simplifies the structure and emphasizes the act of naming.

they go by the names of

Indicates the names that individuals commonly use or are known by.

these individuals are known as

Offers a more formal and descriptive way of introducing names.

their appellations include

Replaces "names" with a more formal term, "appellations", and uses "include" instead of "are".

you can call them

Provides an informal way to introduce names.

they are identified as

Focuses on identification rather than just stating names.

their designations are

Uses "designations" to refer to names, implying a more official or formal naming.

the listed names include

Highlights that there is a set of names that follow.

we refer to them as

Shifts the focus to the speaker's or writer's act of referring to someone.

FAQs

How do I use "their names are" in a sentence?

Use "their names are" to introduce a list of names. For example, "Their names are John, Mary, and Peter."

What are some alternatives to "their names are"?

Alternatives include "they are called", "they go by the names of", or "they are identified as", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "their names is" instead of "their names are"?

No, "their names is" is grammatically incorrect. Since "names" is plural, the correct form is "their names are".

Can I use "their names are" in formal writing?

Yes, but consider more formal alternatives like "they are known as" or "these individuals are known as" to maintain a professional tone.