Evie discusses why some English learners adopt English names, how pronunciation and identity shape that choice, and how to introduce your own name with confidence.

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Evie explores whether an English learner should choose an English name, treating the question as a personal decision rather than a rule. She begins from her experience as an English teacher working with adult learners from different countries and clarifies that she is not talking about people who already use two names because of their family or language background. She also acknowledges the sensitive issues around racism, discrimination, and respect before explaining the practical situations that can influence someone’s choice.

The lesson distinguishes several possibilities: keeping a name as it is, adjusting its pronunciation, anglicising it so it is easier for English speakers to say, or choosing a different name for English-speaking interactions. Evie explains that some learners make this choice to facilitate conversation or make work and social exchanges smoother. At the same time, she notes that many English speakers would rather make the effort to pronounce a person’s real name correctly. A name can be closely tied to identity, and repeatedly correcting someone may feel uncomfortable, especially in a business situation. Expressions such as “from the perspective of,” “make the effort,” and “get in the way” help learners explain viewpoints, respectful effort, and practical obstacles.

Evie uses examples from her own name and from friends who adjust how they say their names across languages. She describes how pronunciation can change when a sound does not exist in another language, and how a person may choose the version that feels natural in a particular setting. She then offers suggestions for anyone who does want an English name: choose something that feels comfortable, consider how it sounds, and think about whether it suits your age and everyday context. She cautions against choosing a name only because it belongs to a famous fictional character or because a list labels it popular. “Go by” is a useful way to say which name someone uses, while “personal preference” keeps the choice centred on the individual.

The intended learner is someone navigating names in English-speaking settings—at work, in class, while travelling, or in international friendships—and wondering how to balance convenience, pronunciation, and identity. The video does not prescribe one answer. Instead, it models how to discuss a nuanced cultural topic, qualify an opinion, and respect different choices. Learners can adapt the framing “I go by…” to introduce the name they use, or explain that they prefer others to use their original name. The key takeaway is that an English name is optional; what matters is choosing freely and communicating the preference clearly.

S2.1

English with EvieBritish English21:27

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Transcript

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Select an expression for its meaning · 0:00

Introducing the question of English names

Recently, I got a DM from somebody asking me what their English name should be. And I loved receiving that DM. I thought it was so cool that somebody would ask me first of all, like . [laughter] Um but I thought that actually this whole idea of English names um for English learners or people speaking English as a second or third or fourth uh language was a really really interesting topic actually and that it would be a fun thing to explore on this podcast.

Try it: Listen for how Evie weighs convenience against personal choice and respect.

Phrase cheat sheet

All phrases at a glance

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13 phrases

Showing 13 of 13 phrases

what an honor

Introducing the question of English names · expression

A warm way to say you feel privileged or grateful to be asked.

Tone and use: Sincere, friendly, and appreciative. Responding to a request or opportunity that feels meaningful.

May not fit: It can sound overly earnest for a routine request.

Example“It’s an honor to be invited to speak at your school.”

from the perspective of

Introducing the question of English names · expression

Considering an issue from a particular point of view or role.

Tone and use: Neutral, often used to frame an opinion. Clarifying which experience or role informs what you are about to say.

May not fit: In casual speech, “as a teacher” may be simpler.

Example“From the perspective of a new employee, the first week can feel overwhelming.”

due to necessity

Introducing the question of English names · expression

Because circumstances made something necessary, rather than simply preferred.

Tone and use: Neutral and somewhat formal. Explaining that a choice was driven by practical need.

May not fit: Do not use it when the choice was mainly optional or for fun.

Example“The family moved due to necessity after the factory closed.”

carry on

Introducing the question of English names · phrasal verb

Continue doing or discussing something.

Tone and use: Conversational; especially common in British English. Returning to an activity after an interruption or introduction.

May not fit: For a formal report, “continue” may be more suitable.

Example“Let’s carry on with the next question.”

get in the way

Whether learners need an English name · idiom

Prevent or make it harder for something else to happen.

Tone and use: Everyday and widely useful. Explaining how an obstacle affects work, plans, or a relationship.

May not fit: Name the obstacle when greater precision is needed.

Example“I don’t want a small misunderstanding to get in the way of our friendship.”

make the effort

Whether learners need an English name · expression

Choose to spend time or energy doing something considerate or worthwhile.

Tone and use: Positive but can imply that the action takes some work. Recognizing someone’s willingness to try, even if it is not effortless.

May not fit: It may sound reproachful if used to criticize someone directly.

Example“She made the effort to learn how to pronounce everyone’s name.”

personal preference

Whether learners need an English name · collocation

An individual’s own choice or liking.

Tone and use: Neutral and respectful. Emphasizing that different people may reasonably choose different options.

May not fit: Do not present a preference as an objective rule.

Example“Whether you use a nickname is a personal preference.”

back and forth

Pronunciation, identity, and personal choice · expression

Repeated exchanges between people or repeated movement in opposite directions.

Tone and use: Conversational and informal. Describing repeated clarification or discussion between people.

May not fit: Use “exchange” or “discussion” in formal writing.

Example“We went back and forth about the meeting time before agreeing.”

that being said

Pronunciation, identity, and personal choice · expression

Introduces a qualification or contrasting point after what was just said.

Tone and use: Neutral and organized; slightly more formal than “but”. Adding an important exception or balancing view.

May not fit: Avoid repeating it; a simple “but” is often enough.

Example“The flat is small. That being said, it is close to work.”

go by

Pronunciation, identity, and personal choice · phrasal verb

Use a particular name as the one people call you.

Tone and use: Neutral and natural in introductions. Telling someone which name or nickname you use.

May not fit: Do not confuse this sense with time passing or following a rule.

Example“My full name is Alexandra, but I go by Alex.”

based on vibes

Choosing a name that feels right · expression

Chosen according to the general feeling or impression something gives, rather than strict criteria.

Tone and use: Informal, playful, and contemporary. Describing a casual choice guided by intuition or aesthetic feel.

May not fit: For important formal decisions, explain the actual criteria.

Example“I picked the café based on vibes and it turned out to be lovely.”

go for

Choosing a name that feels right · phrasal verb

Choose or select an option.

Tone and use: Informal and direct. Talking about selecting among alternatives.

May not fit: For formal documents, use “choose” or “select.”

Example“If you want something lighter, go for the blue one.”

a fair price

Selecting a name and weighing common choices · collocation

A price considered reasonable in relation to the value or alternatives.

Tone and use: Neutral and evaluative. Explaining that something is reasonably priced.

May not fit: “Fair” is subjective, so give a comparison if precision matters.

Example“We found a fair price for the group booking.”

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What it means · “get in the way”

Should you choose an English name? | The English Podcast

Transcript

All phrases at a glance

what an honor

from the perspective of

due to necessity

carry on

get in the way

make the effort

personal preference

back and forth

that being said

go by

based on vibes

go for

a fair price

Practice the phrases you heard

If pronunciation difficulty gets in the way of a conversation, what does it do?