Introducing Yourself in English

Introducing Yourself in English

Learning how to introduce yourself is an essentialpart of learning how to converse in English. Introductions are also animportant part of making small talk at parties or other social events.Introductory phrases are different than the ones we use to greet friends, butthey’re often used together as parts of the broader conversation, as you’llsee.

Introducing Yourself

In this example, Peter and Jane are meeting for thefirst time at a social event. After greeting each other, they begin by askingsimple personal questions. Working with a friend or classmate, take turnspracticing this role-play.

Peter: Hello.

Jane: Hi!

Peter: My name is Peter. What’s your name?

Jane: My name is Jane. Nice to meet you.

Peter: It’s a pleasure. This is a great party!

Jane: Yes, it is. Where are you from?

Peter: I’m from Amsterdam.

Jane: Amsterdam? Are you German?

Peter: No, I’m not German. I’m Dutch.

Jane: Oh, you’re Dutch. Sorry about that.

Peter: That’s OK. Where are you from?

Jane: I’m from London, but I’m not British.

Peter: No, what are you?

Jane: Well, my parents were Spanish, so I’mSpanish, too.

Peter: That’s very interesting. Spain is abeautiful country.

Jane: Thank you. It is a wonderful place.

Key Vocabulary

In the previous example, Peter and Jane areintroducing themselves. Several important phrases that they use in thisexchange are:

My name is...

Where are you from?

I’m from... (city, state, or country)

Are you... (Spanish, American, German, etc.)

Introducing Other People

Introductions in FormalSituations

Introductions can occur between more than twopeople, for example at a party or at a business meeting. When you meet someonefor the first time, it is common to greet them by saying, "It’s a pleasureto meet you," or "Pleased to meet you." It is polite to respondby repeating the statement back at them, as Mary does in this example:

Ken: Peter, I’d like you to meet Mary.

Peter: It’s a pleasure to meet you.

Mary: It’s a pleasure to meet you too!

Ken: Mary works for...

Introductions in InformalSituations

In informal situations, especially in NorthAmerica, introductions are also made simply saying, "This is (name)."It is also common to just say "Hi" or "Hello" as a responsein this informal setting.

Ken: Peter, this is Mary.

Peter: Hi. How are you?

Mary: Hello! Pleased to meet you.

Ken: Mary works for...

 

Common Introductory Phrases

As you can see in the previous examples, there area number of different phrases that are commonly used to introduce strangers:

(name), I don’t think you’ve met (name).

I don’t think you know (name)

May I introduce you to (name)

(name), do you know (name)?

(name), I’d like you to meet (name)

Saying Hello and Goodbye

Many people begin and end conversations by sayinghello and goodbye to each other. Doing so is considered good manners in manyparts of the English-speaking world, and it’s also a simple way to expressfriendly interest in whoever you’re chatting with.

A simple greeting followed by asking about theother person is all that is needed to begin an introduction. In this briefscenario, two people have just met:

Jane: Hello, Peter. How are you?

Peter: Fine, thanks. How are you?

Jane: I’m fine, thank you.

Once you’re finished speaking with someone, it’scustomary to say goodbye as you both part, as in this example:

Peter: Goodbye, Jane. See you tomorrow!

Jane: Bye bye, Peter. Have a nice evening.

Peter: Thanks, you too!

Key Vocabulary

Key phrases to remember include:

Hello... How are you?

I’m fine, thank you

Goodbye

See you... (tomorrow, this weekend, next week,etc.)

Have a nice... (day, evening, week, etc.)