Informal Names

Introduction:
This task is to help you to understand informal English names. On this page: an explanation, examples, how to use these names, and a practice exercise.

Explanation
In English, and in many other languages, people's given names (not family names) have two forms: a formal form and an informal form. The informal form is usually shorter, to make it more convenient. It is also sometimes called a diminutive or short form.

Examples
Mostly these diminutives start with the same letters as the formal name. Here are some examples:

How to Use These Names

You can use the short form of a person's name when:

• you are introduced to them as the short form; e.g. "Jim, I'd like to introduce you to Bill."
• people sign themselves with the short form; e.g. 'Best wishes, Andy.'
• when you know someone well, for example when you are good friends.

Do not use diminutives in formal or legal situations, unless the person is using the short form themselves.

Use the full name when warning or criticising a child; e.g. "Alexander Edward Smith, I told you not to do that!"

Do not use a diminutive that someone doesn't like, for example, if someone calls themselves 'Liz', do not call them 'Eliza' or 'Beth'.

Related materials: a list of other names and the related gender.

Practice

Here is a practice exercise to help you to remember some of these diminutives. Some of the answers are in the list above, the others you can work out for yourself.

Instructions:
Match the items in the boxes on the left with the items on the right:

1. Click in the table cell containing the item you want to move.
2. Click in the table cell where you want the item to go. The words will swap position.
3. If an item is in the right position, it will have a green background and a tick.
4. When all the table cells are green and have ticks, you have finished.