My Name is… Learn to Introduce Yourself in English

Introduction

Hi again! So, you’ve already learned how to say hello and ask how someone is doing – that’s fantastic progress! Now, what’s the next important step when you meet someone new? That’s right, it’s learning how to introduce yourself and find out their name. This is a fundamental part of any conversation, and it’s easier than you might think! Think of this lesson as your guide to confidently saying “My name is…” and politely asking “What’s your name?” Ready to become a master of introductions? Let’s get started!

Telling People Your Name

When you meet someone new, the first thing they’ll likely want to know is your name. Here are some simple ways to tell them:

• My name is [Your Name]. This is a very common and clear way to introduce yourself. You can use it in almost any situation, whether it’s formal or informal.
  • Example: If you meet a new classmate, you can say, “Hello, my name is [Your Name].”
  • Practice: Say “My name is” followed by your name out loud right now. Hear how it sounds? Try saying it with a smile. “My name is [Your Name].” Great!
• I am [Your Name]. This is another very common and perfectly acceptable way to introduce yourself. It’s just a slightly different grammatical structure.
  • Example: If you’re at a meeting and need to introduce yourself, you can say, “Good morning, I am [Your Name].”
  • Practice: Now say “I am” followed by your name. “I am [Your Name].” Easy, right?
• I’m [Your Name]. This is a short form of “I am.” It’s a little more informal but still very common in everyday situations.
  • Example: If you’re talking to someone casually, you can say, “Hi, I’m [Your Name].”
  • Practice: Say “I’m” followed by your name. “I’m [Your Name].” Try saying it like you’re talking to a new friend.

Asking for Someone’s Name

Once you’ve told someone your name, it’s polite to ask for theirs. Here are some simple ways to do that:

• What’s your name? This is a very direct and common way to ask for someone’s name. You can use it in most situations.
  • Practice: Say “What’s your name?” Notice how your voice goes up a little at the end because it’s a question. “What’s your name?” Try it!
• Could you tell me your name? This is a more polite and slightly more formal way to ask.
  • Example: If you’re talking to someone you want to show extra respect to, you might say, “Excuse me, could you tell me your name?”
  • Practice: Say “Could you tell me your name?” It sounds a bit more formal, right? “Could you tell me your name?” Good job!
• And you are…? This is often used after you’ve already introduced yourself. It’s a gentle way of asking for their name without being too direct.
  • Example: If you say “My name is [Your Name],” the other person might respond with their name, or you could say, “And you are…?”
  • Practice: Say “And you are…?” Remember to make it sound like a question with your voice going up at the end. “And you are…?”

Putting it Together: Simple Introductions

Let’s see how these phrases work in a simple conversation when people meet for the first time:

Conversation 1 (Informal):

• Person A: Hi, I’m [Name 1].
• Person B: Hi [Name 1], I’m [Name 2]. Nice to meet you!

Conversation 2 (More Formal):

• Person A: Good morning, my name is [Name 1].
• Person B: Good morning, [Name 1]. I am [Name 2]. Pleased to meet you.

Conversation 3 (Casual):

• Person A: Hello, I’m [Name 1]. And you are…?
• Person B: I’m [Name 2].

Let’s Practice!

Imagine you just met someone new. What would you say to introduce yourself? Try it out loud!

Now, imagine they introduced themselves to you. What would you say next to ask for their name if they didn’t tell you? Try it!

And after they tell you their name, it’s nice to say something like “Nice to meet you, [Their Name]!” Practice saying that now.

Common Phrases After Introductions

After you’ve exchanged names, there are some other common and polite things you can say:

• Nice to meet you. This is a very common and friendly phrase to say after someone tells you their name. You can use it in most situations.
  • Practice: Say “Nice to meet you.” Imagine you just met a friendly person. “Nice to meet you.” Great!
• Pleased to meet you. This is a slightly more formal version of “Nice to meet you.”
  • Practice: Say “Pleased to meet you.” It sounds a bit more serious, right? “Pleased to meet you.” Well done!
• It’s nice to meet you too. If someone says “Nice to meet you” to you, this is a polite way to respond.
  • Practice: Say “It’s nice to meet you too.” Imagine someone just said “Nice to meet you” to you. “It’s nice to meet you too.” Perfect!

Using Names in Conversation

Once you know someone’s name, try to use it in the conversation! This shows that you’re paying attention and helps you remember their name.

• Example: “So, [Their Name], where are you from?”
• Example: “It’s interesting to talk to you, [Their Name].”
  • Practice: Think of a name. Now say, “[That Name], it’s nice to talk with you.” See how that feels? It makes the conversation feel more personal.

Things to Remember When Introducing Yourself

• Smile: A smile makes you look friendly and approachable.
• Speak clearly: Try to say your name clearly so the other person can understand.
• Listen carefully: Pay attention when the other person tells you their name so you can remember it.
• Make eye contact: Looking at the person you’re talking to shows that you’re interested.

Let’s Practice Some More!

Imagine you are at a new English class. Write down (or say out loud) what you would say to:

1. Introduce yourself to the teacher.
2. Ask the teacher for their name.
3. Say that you are happy to be in the class.

Now, imagine you are at a party and you meet someone new. Write down (or say out loud) what you would say to:

1. Introduce yourself informally.
2. Ask for their name.
3. Say “Nice to meet you.”

Remember, it’s all about practice! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s how we learn!

You’re Doing Great!

Learning how to introduce yourself and ask for names is a really important skill when you’re learning English. You’ve learned some key phrases today that you can use in many different situations. Keep practicing these introductions, and soon it will feel completely natural. Remember to be confident and enjoy meeting new people! You’re doing a fantastic job on your English learning journey!