Question
Updated on
9 Mar 2015
- Russian
-
English (US)
-
Japanese
Question about English (US)
Why do people mostly use "first name / last name" instead of "name / surname"? Isn't it short and convenient? Or is there something special about it?
Why do people mostly use "first name / last name" instead of "name / surname"? Isn't it short and convenient? Or is there something special about it?
Answers
When you "disagree" with an answer
The owner of it will not be notified.
Only the user who asked this question will see who disagreed with this answer.
Read more comments
- English (US)
Perhaps because saying "name" can refer to surname as well.
- English (US)
Surname is more formal/legal. Nothing wrong with it, last name sounds a bit less formal/legal.
- English (US)
In some English speaking countries they do this. In South Africa even in common speech they say "surname". In the US we say last name, just depends on where you are.
Highly-rated answerer
- English (UK)
- Welsh Near fluent
It's just to avoid confusion. If you only put "name / surname", a large percentage of people will write their full name in the first box.
- Russian
[News] Hey you! The one learning a language!
Do you know how to improve your language skills❓ All you have to do is have your writing corrected by a native speaker!
With HiNative, you can have your writing corrected by native speakers for free ✍️✨.
With HiNative, you can have your writing corrected by native speakers for free ✍️✨.
Sign up
Related questions
-
Why is there an "e" before "specially" in "especially"?
answerEspecially is a different word. "The present was made specially for you" Whereas especially means exceptionally. "The weather was especially ...
-
What does "family name" refer to? to the paternal surname only or for the maternal and paternal s...
answerIts your last name.
-
is "sir" commonly used as a prefix for first name.
what about "mr"? is it a prefix for last name...
answerSir is almost never a prefix for a first name. Mr. is usually not used as a prefix for a first name, but can be used as a prefix for a who...
-
"On a first name basis" is a common phrase. So conversely, is "on a last name basis" commonly used?
answerThe terminology, "on a last name basis," is not commonly used. As a matter of fact, I have never heard the phrase used before.
-
Why do people usually use "I've got" instead of "I have"?
answerI got 3 cats = acabo de comprarlos I've got 3 cats = I have got 3 cats = I have 3 cats = tengo tres gatos To Get is one of the worst verbs ...
-
is it true that they abbreviate "y" to write "why" is that common?
answerIt is somewhat common in texting or if you have a restriction in character count.
-
Do you use "Mr." or "Ms." in articles in English? For example, for CEOs, employees/staffs.. And d...
answerFull name, no title, for when you first use the person's name. After that, use "Mr." or "Mrs." with the person's last name. -------------...
-
I wonder why "earth" sometimes or often take "the".
Isn't it a proper noun?
answer"earth" can also mean dirt or ground. To be specific when talking about "The Earth" you often need to use "the". When the subject is clear...
Similar questions
- TIMEに「American people think about sexual intercouse as 'Peanuts and Strawberry jam sandwich.」とあった...
- What do people mean when they say 'no pun intended'
- Which I've never met people who come from other countries. sounds the most natural?
Recommended Questions
- I was asked a question from my friend like, "what's this photo suppose to be?" in two separate...
- 日本語を人に教えてあげるときに 丁寧に話す時 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 日常会話で話す時 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX と書きたいです。 「丁寧に話す時」...
- what is correct? Where are you study? Or Where do you study? Thank you.
- How to respond to "I hope you are doing well"?
- If you are not the correct person, please direct me the correct one. Does this sentence sound nat...
Topic Questions
- Does this sound natural? I must finish my homework one way or another.
- Should it be "dry beans" or "dried beans"?
- what kind of article should i use in this sentence or should i write it without the article ? ...
- do natives speakers confuse alligators and crocodiles?
- Is "procrastinate" a difficult word?
Newest Questions
- which is the most natural sentence ? my lady? Do you have any problems? my lady? Is there a pr...
- ❪What does the following audio clip say?❫
- Example 1 "I have to cook earlier today because I need to finish my work." Example 2 "I ha...
- I hear often the phrase "very good." So how about "very nice"? Is it commonly used? 🤔
- does this sound natural? "my day would be more fabulous, if you join the party"
Previous question/ Next question
What’s this symbol?
The Language Level symbol shows a user's proficiency in the languages they're interested in. Setting your Language Level helps other users provide you with answers that aren't too complex or too simple.
-
Beginner
Has difficulty understanding even short answers in this language.
-
Beginner-Intermediate
Can ask simple questions and can understand simple answers.
-
Intermediate
Can ask all types of general questions and can understand longer answers.
-
Advanced
Can understand long, complex answers.
Sign up for premium, and you can play other user's audio/video answers.
What are gifts?
Show your appreciation in a way that likes and stamps can't.
By sending a gift to someone, they will be more likely to answer your questions again!
If you post a question after sending a gift to someone, your question will be displayed in a special section on that person’s feed.
Tired of searching? HiNative can help you find that answer you're looking for.
