Meaning
Used to introduce oneself by stating your name.
Cultural Background
Americans often move to first names immediately after saying 'My name is [Full Name]'. It's a sign of friendliness and equality. In the UK, using 'My name is' followed by a title (Mr., Ms., Dr.) is common in formal settings to maintain a respectful distance. When Japanese speakers use English, they often have to decide whether to put their family name first or last. In English, the 'Given Name + Family Name' order is standard. In many Arabic-speaking cultures, names can be very long (including father's and grandfather's names). In English introductions, people usually shorten this to 'My name is [First Name] [Family Name]'.
Smile while saying it
An introduction is 50% words and 50% body language. A smile makes 'My name is' sound much more welcoming.
Don't forget the 'is'
Beginners often say 'My name John'. Always remember the verb 'is' to link the subject to the name.
Meaning
Used to introduce oneself by stating your name.
Smile while saying it
An introduction is 50% words and 50% body language. A smile makes 'My name is' sound much more welcoming.
Don't forget the 'is'
Beginners often say 'My name John'. Always remember the verb 'is' to link the subject to the name.
Use the contraction
To sound more like a native speaker, use 'My name's' in casual conversations.
Full name vs First name
Use your full name in business and just your first name at parties.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the introduction.
Hello! ____ name ____ Sarah.
We use the possessive 'My' and the singular verb 'is'.
Which sentence is the most natural for a job interview?
How should you introduce yourself to an interviewer?
Using 'My name is' with your full name is professional and clear.
Complete the conversation.
A: Hi, I'm Tom. What's your name? B: ________.
'My name is Lucy' is the standard response to 'What's your name?'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are calling a doctor's office to make an appointment.
Formal settings like a doctor's office require a clear, full-name introduction.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHello! ____ name ____ Sarah.
We use the possessive 'My' and the singular verb 'is'.
How should you introduce yourself to an interviewer?
Using 'My name is' with your full name is professional and clear.
A: Hi, I'm Tom. What's your name? B: ________.
'My name is Lucy' is the standard response to 'What's your name?'.
You are calling a doctor's office to make an appointment.
Formal settings like a doctor's office require a clear, full-name introduction.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNeither is 'better', but 'My name is' is clearer for beginners and slightly more formal. 'I'm' is more common in daily speech.
No. Even if you have a first and last name, 'name' refers to the whole identity. Say 'My name is John Smith'.
It is polite to start with 'Hello', 'Hi', or 'Good morning' before saying 'My name is...'.
You can politely say, 'Actually, it's pronounced [Pronunciation]'.
Yes, but usually only in the first email to someone who doesn't know you. After that, you just sign your name at the bottom.
This is a stylistic choice to sound mysterious or important. It's not standard for daily use.
Usually, you would say 'His name is...' or 'Her name is...' when talking about a pet.
It is always 'My name is' (singular).
The most common way is 'What is your name?' or 'And you are?'
Yes, it is the perfect way to start a presentation: 'Hello everyone, my name is...'.
Yes, it's very common: 'Hi, my name is Jane, please call me back'.
'Name' usually means your first name, while 'surname' or 'last name' is your family name.
Related Phrases
I'm...
similarShort for 'I am'
This is...
specialized formUsed to introduce oneself on the phone
Call me...
builds onSuggests a nickname
The name's...
specialized formA dramatic way to state a name
Nice to meet you
similarThe standard follow-up to an introduction
