Introducing yourself in English
Learn how to introduce yourself in English at work, in class and online, with simple phrases, short dialogues and mistakes to avoid.
In this lesson
To introduce yourself in English, say hello, give your name and add one or two facts about yourself: “Hello, I’m Anjali. I’m from Kandy, and I’m a nurse. Nice to meet you.” Use full names and polite phrases in formal situations, and first names and short phrases with friends and classmates.
Key point
A simple introduction has three parts: a greeting, your name and one or two facts about you. Finish with Nice to meet you.
What are the basic phrases for introducing yourself?
These phrases work in almost every situation. Most of them use the verb be (I’m, I am), so our lesson on am, is and are is a good place to start. For facts about your life, such as where you live and work, you need the simple present tense.
| What you say | Phrase | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Your name | I’m … / My name is … | I’m Kamal. My name is Kamal Perera. |
| Where you are from | I’m from … | I’m from Galle, in Sri Lanka. |
| Where you live | I live in … | I live in Colombo. |
| Your job | I’m a / an … / I work at … | I’m a teacher. I work at a bank. |
| Your studies | I study … / I’m a student at … | I study IT. I’m a student at Kandy College. |
| Your interests | I like … / I enjoy … | I like cricket and music. |
| Ending | Nice to meet you. | Reply: Nice to meet you too. |
Examples
- “Hello, everyone. My name is Anjali Silva, but please call me Anji.”
- “I’m from Kandy, and I live in Colombo now.”
- “I’m a nurse at a children’s hospital.”
- “In my free time, I like reading and cooking.”
- “Nice to meet you all.”
Tip
I’m Kamal is the most common way to say your name in conversation. My name is Kamal is a little more formal and very clear, so it is good on the phone and at the start of a talk.
How do you introduce yourself informally?
With friends, classmates and people your age, keep it short and relaxed. Use your first name only. You can also say how you know the people around you. For more friendly ways to say hello, see our lesson on basic greetings and expressions.
Examples
- Dev: “Hi, I’m Dev.”
- Sara: “Hey, Dev. I’m Sara. How do you know Nimal?”
- Dev: “We play cricket together. What about you?”
- Sara: “We work together. Nice to meet you!”
- Dev: “You too.”
Note
You too is a short, friendly reply to Nice to meet you. In formal situations, say the full sentence: Nice to meet you too.
How do you introduce yourself formally?
In a job interview, a meeting or with older people, use a polite greeting and your full name. These phrases are useful:
- Good morning. Let me introduce myself. My name is …
- Pleased to meet you.
- It’s a pleasure to meet you.
Examples
- Mr Jayasinghe: “Good morning. You must be Ms Perera.”
- Nadeesha: “Yes, good morning. I’m Nadeesha Perera. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
- Mr Jayasinghe: “Pleased to meet you too. I’m Rohan Jayasinghe, the head of finance. Please have a seat.”
- Nadeesha: “Thank you.”
How do you introduce yourself at work?
On your first day at a new job, people want to know three things: your name, your job and your team. In our B1 story A new job in Colombo, Nimal meets his new team on his first day.
Examples
- Nimal: “Hello, I’m Nimal. I’m the new accounts assistant. Today is my first day.”
- Dilini: “Oh, welcome! I’m Dilini. I work in the IT team, just over there.”
- Nimal: “Nice to meet you, Dilini.”
- Dilini: “Nice to meet you too. Ask me if you need any help with the computer system.”
How do you introduce yourself in class?
On the first day of a course, the teacher often asks, “Can you tell us a little about yourself?” Prepare four or five short sentences: your name, where you are from, what you do, why you are learning and one interest. Practise saying them aloud before the class.
Examples
- “Sure. My name is Kavindu, and I’m nineteen.”
- “I’m from Matara, but I live in Colombo now.”
- “I’m a business student.”
- “I want to improve my English for my future job.”
- “My hobby is photography.”
How do you introduce yourself online?
On a video call
Check that people can hear you, then give your name and your place or role.
Examples
- “Hi, everyone. Can you hear me? Great.”
- “I’m Priya from the Kandy office. I look after customer service.”
- “Sorry, I was on mute. As I said, I’m Priya.”
In an email or a message
In a formal email, start with Dear and the person’s title and family name. In a group chat, a short friendly message is fine.
Examples
- Formal email: “Dear Ms Fernando, my name is Kamal Perera, and I am the new sales assistant in your team.”
- Group message: “Hi, everyone! I’m Sara, and I’ve just joined this group. I’m learning English, and I love reading.”
How do you introduce another person?
Say the person’s name and how you know them. In a formal situation, introduce the less senior person to the more senior person.
Examples
- Informal: “This is my friend Nimal.”
- Informal: “Ravi, this is Sara. Sara, this is Ravi.”
- Formal: “Mrs Fernando, I’d like you to meet our new assistant, Nimal Bandara.”
What questions can you ask to keep talking?
After the introduction, ask a simple question to start a conversation. These are all Wh- questions.
Examples
- “Where are you from?” “I’m from Jaffna.”
- “What do you do?” “I’m an engineer.”
- “How do you know Nimal?” “We were at school together.”
- “What do you do in your free time?” “I play the guitar.”
Note
In many English-speaking countries, people do not ask about age, salary or marriage when they first meet. These questions can feel too personal, so wait until you know the person better.
Which phrases should you avoid?
Some phrases are common in South Asian English, but they can sound unnatural to other English speakers. Use the phrases in the middle column instead.
| Avoid | Say instead | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Myself Kamal. | I’m Kamal. / My name is Kamal. | A sentence needs a subject and a verb. |
| My good name is Kamal. | My name is Kamal. | Good name is not used in international English. |
| I am having two brothers. | I have two brothers. | We do not use have (meaning own) in the continuous form. |
| I’m engineer. | I’m an engineer. | Use a or an before a job. |
| I am 25 years. | I’m 25. / I’m 25 years old. | Say years old, or just the number. |
| Same to you. (reply to Nice to meet you) | Nice to meet you too. | Same to you is a reply to wishes, such as Have a nice day. |
Common mistake
Myself Kamal, from Galle. → I’m Kamal, and I’m from Galle.
Myself cannot start a sentence like this. Use I’m or My name is.
To hear people meeting for the first time and practise more, try the British Council LearnEnglish A1 speaking lesson on meeting new people.
Practice: introduce yourself
Check what you have learnt. Put the phrases in order, match questions and answers, and choose the most natural way to introduce yourself.
Summary
- Say hello, give your name and add one or two facts: where you are from, what you do or what you like.
- Use first names and short phrases with friends, and full names and polite phrases in formal situations.
- Reply to Nice to meet you with Nice to meet you too or, informally, You too.
- Ask a simple question, such as Where are you from?, to keep the conversation going.
- Avoid Myself Kamal and My good name is. Say I’m Kamal or My name is Kamal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to introduce yourself in English?
Say “Hello, I’m” and your name, then add one fact, such as your job or your town. Finish with “Nice to meet you.” That is enough for most situations.
Should I say “My name is” or “I’m”?
Both are correct. I’m is more common in everyday conversation, and My name is sounds a little more formal and clear.
Is “Myself Kamal” correct?
No. It is common in some countries, but it is not correct in standard English. Say I’m Kamal or My name is Kamal.
How do I introduce myself in a job interview?
Greet the interviewer, give your full name and say “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” If they ask you to talk about yourself, describe your studies, your experience and one or two strengths in about a minute.
Practise this lesson
11 questions
