Micro-listening
Unusual names
The short answer
An unfamiliar name is simply a name that a listener has not heard often, not an incorrect or strange name. A speaker may ask listeners to use their full given name and teach the correct pronunciation, or they may choose an informal short form for specific social settings.
Key points
- Using a shorter name does not mean the speaker dislikes their full name.
- Katerina keeps her complete given name and clarifies its pronunciation patiently, while Julian uses Jules for informal community workshops and reserves Julian for formal records.
- Use the phrase 'go by' to state everyday naming choices, as in 'I go by Jules.'
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Stage 1 of 5
Understand
What it means, when to use it, and mistakes to avoid.
Watch & learn
How to use the phrase go by in English
Learn how to use the phrase go by to share your preferred name or talk about following rules in different everyday situations.
Line 1 of 6 · Maya
I myself to new and at , I go by Maya.
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Key words in this video
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Goes with
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Examples
Katerina clarifies the third-syllable stress rather than shortening her name.
Why it works: She values her complete given name and helps listeners pronounce it accurately.
2 more examples
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Julian uses Jules during group discussions because it feels relaxed and approachable.
The short form serves a specific informal setting without replacing his full name.
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Neither speaker expresses annoyance when a classmate asks for pronunciation help.
Both speakers welcome polite questions that lead to clear communication.
Read the full guide
At a community class, check which name belongs on each badge
When welcoming participants to a community class, writing name badges is often the first interaction. Some people have names that sound unfamiliar to listeners in a new city or group. An unfamiliar name is simply one that someone has not heard frequently; it is neither strange nor incorrect. Deciding what to write on a badge requires asking each person what they prefer rather than guessing from a printed roster.
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Julian: 'Hello, I am helping with the registration table today. Should I write Katerina on your plastic badge?'
Why it works: Julian asks directly before writing on the badge.
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Katerina: 'Yes, please. People often mishear my name as Katrina, but I prefer my full name. The stress is on the third syllable: ka-te-REE-na.'
Why it works: Katerina confirms her full name and clarifies where the stress falls.
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Julian: 'Understood. For my own badge, you can just write Jules. I use Jules only here in class because it feels informal and friendly, but on formal documents I always keep Julian.'
Why it works: Julian explains his situation-specific preference.
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Katerina: 'I appreciate that. Asking first prevents awkward moments later.'
Why it works: Both speakers confirm their preferences clearly.
Your turn
Why does Julian offer a shorter name while preparing badges?
Answer: He prefers an informal name specifically for the relaxed class environment.
Show the answer
Answer: He prefers an informal name specifically for the relaxed class environment.
Julian explains that he uses Jules only during class because it feels relaxed, while keeping Julian on formal documents.
Understand full name, short form, mishear and go by
Learners frequently mix up several related terms when talking about identity. 'Full name' usually includes given and family names. In this conversation, the speakers contrast a complete given name with its short form. Check the context to see which meaning is intended. A 'short form' is a shortened version of a given name, such as Jules for Julian, while a 'nickname' can be an entirely separate descriptive label. The verb 'mishear' means to hear sounds incorrectly, which differs from mispronouncing sounds. Finally, 'go by' followed by a name means that the speaker customarily uses that name in social interactions.
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I go by Sam during soccer practice, but my legal name is Samuel.
Why it works: The chunk 'go by' indicates everyday use in an informal setting.
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Callers often mishear my name over poor telephone connections.
Why it works: 'Mishear' describes an acoustic problem for the listener, not an error in pronunciation.
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A short form like Dan is convenient, yet Daniel remains his full given name.
Why it works: A short form is a reduced version of the given name rather than a completely different nickname.
You can practise this again in Narrow Down 3 and Make up.
Your turn
What does a speaker mean when saying 'I go by Jules'?
Answer: They use the name Jules in daily conversation.
Show the answer
Answer: They use the name Jules in daily conversation.
The chunk 'go by' means to be called or known by a particular name in everyday settings.
First listen: decide how each speaker feels about their name
On your first listening pass, focus on understanding the speakers' emotions rather than worrying about name spellings. Keep the transcript hidden so your ears do the work, using visible name labels so spelling does not distract you. Progressive hints guide your listening: first, identify Julian in Turn 1 and Katerina in Turn 2; next, notice tone cues and reason connectors; finally, complete scaffolded gap prompts before checking the text. Neither speaker shows embarrassment or irritation. Julian feels comfortable using a shortened name to foster friendly class relationships, while Katerina feels proud of her full name and cheerfully explains its pronunciation.
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Step 1 (Speaker and turn): In Turn 2, listen to Katerina's response after Julian asks how to write her badge name.
Why it works: Tracking speaker turns helps you anticipate who is expressing their personal feelings.
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Step 2 (Attention prompt): Notice Katerina's calm tone when using 'but' to state her preference for her complete given name.
Why it works: Explicit tone markers and contrast conjunctions show that correcting someone does not imply anger.
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Step 3 (Scaffolded gap): Complete the missing words: 'People often mishear my name as Katrina, ___ I prefer my ___ name.'
Why it works: Testing recall with small gaps strengthens acoustic recovery before viewing the complete transcript.
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Full reveal: 'Julian: Should I write Katerina on your plastic badge? Katerina: Yes, please... I prefer my full name.'
Why it works: Both participants speak warmly, confirming that name discussions are collaborative and friendly.
Your turn
What is Katerina's attitude when someone mishears her name?
Answer: She remains calm and happily clarifies the correct pronunciation.
Show the answer
Answer: She remains calm and happily clarifies the correct pronunciation.
Katerina calmly explains where the syllable stress falls so her partner can say her full name accurately.
Listen again: separate the problem from the preferred response
Effective listening requires separating the communication problem from the speaker's preferred response. A person may experience practical difficulties, such as listeners mishearing sounds or struggling with syllable stress, without disliking their name. Tracking these distinctions in a structured overview makes the conversation much easier to evaluate. Use progressive hints during your second listen: pinpoint the specific turn, identify the causal connector 'because', and complete key phrases before checking the overview table below.
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Julian | Practical challenge: Full name feels formal | Feeling: Friendly and relaxed | Preferred response: Use short form Jules | Setting: Informal class only
Why it works: Julian selects Jules to establish warmth in class while retaining Julian on official records.
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Katerina | Practical challenge: Misheard as Katrina | Feeling: Calm and proud | Preferred response: Keep full name and teach stress | Setting: All settings
Why it works: Katerina maintains her complete name across all environments and teaches the third-syllable stress.
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Scaffolded Turn 2 gap: 'The stress is on the third syllable: ___.'
Why it works: Filling the pronunciation pattern before reading reinforces how Katerina separates the sound problem from her preference.
Your turn
According to the comparison table, how does Julian handle different situations?
Answer: He uses Jules for informal class sessions but Julian on formal paperwork.
Show the answer
Answer: He uses Jules for informal class sessions but Julian on formal paperwork.
Julian separates his preference by situation: Jules creates a friendly atmosphere in class, while Julian belongs on official documents.
Use but, because and only to hear contrast, reasons and limits
Connecting words reveal the logical relationships between a speaker's difficulties and preferences. The word 'but' introduces a contrast between how other people act and what the speaker wants. The word 'because' explains the motivation behind a decision. The word 'only' sets a strict boundary, showing that a preference applies in one environment but not everywhere. Scaffold your listening by identifying which speaker uses each connector in their turn, noting the clause boundary, and filling scaffolded gaps before checking the full sentence.
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Turn 2 Hint: Listen for Katerina contrasting listener confusion with her personal wish: '...mishear my name as Katrina, [contrast word] I prefer my full name.'
Why it works: The conjunction 'but' marks the turning point from the listener's mistake to her true preference.
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Turn 3 Hint: Listen for Julian explaining his motive: 'I use Jules only here in class [reason connector] it feels informal and friendly...'
Why it works: The conjunction 'because' signals the social purpose behind choosing an informal name.
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Turn 3 Scaffolded Gap: 'I use Jules [limiting adverb] here in class, but on formal documents I always keep Julian.'
Why it works: The adverb 'only' restricts his nickname to this single workshop setting.
Your turn
In the sentence 'I use Jules only here because it feels informal', what does 'only' show?
Answer: It limits the use of the short name to the classroom setting.
Show the answer
Answer: It limits the use of the short name to the classroom setting.
The word 'only' restricts the preference to one specific environment rather than all situations.
Ask about pronunciation and name preferences politely
Asking someone about their name requires polite, natural phrasing that puts them at ease. Instead of commenting on how difficult or unusual a name sounds, focus on learning their preference directly. Useful phrases include 'How do you pronounce your name?', 'Could you say that again for me?', and 'What would you like me to call you?' Once the speaker shares their preference, follow it consistently. Checking pronunciation shows professional courtesy, whether in a community class or an office meeting. For related listening practice with polite questions, explore /micro-listenings/9-2/, /micro-listenings/11-2/, and /micro-listenings/6-2/.
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How do you pronounce your name?
Why it works: A direct and respectful question that invites the speaker to model the sounds.
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Could you say that again for me?
Why it works: A polite request that avoids placing blame on either speaker.
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What would you like me to call you?
Why it works: An open question that allows the listener to specify a full name or a short form.
Your turn
Which question is the most polite and natural way to ask someone's preference?
Answer: What would you like me to call you?
Show the answer
Answer: What would you like me to call you?
This phrase directly asks for the listener's preference without judging the length or origin of their name.
Write six short dictations without guessing name spellings
Names in this lesson include Jules, Julian, and Katerina. Listen for them alongside the sentence structure, auxiliary verbs, and connecting words. Write the words you hear, then compare them with the supplied text when it is available. If a name is unfamiliar, listen to its sounds rather than guessing a more familiar name.
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Dictation 1 (Naming phrase): 'I go by Jules during our informal class sessions.'
Why it works: Answer key: 'I go by Jules during our informal class sessions.' Focus on recognizing the chunk 'go by' followed by the time preposition.
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Dictation 2 (Correction): 'Please do not write Katrina, as my name is Katerina.'
Why it works: Answer key: 'Please do not write Katrina, as my name is Katerina.' Notice the negative imperative and the clear spelling correction.
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Dictation 3 (Preference): 'She prefers her full given name when working with new partners.'
Why it works: Answer key: 'She prefers her full given name when working with new partners.' Capture the third-person singular verb ending.
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Dictation 4 (Contrast): 'People often mishear my name, but I keep the complete version.'
Why it works: Answer key: 'People often mishear my name, but I keep the complete version.' Listen for the contrast conjunction 'but'.
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Dictation 5 (Reason): 'Julian picks a shorter name because it helps everyone feel comfortable.'
Why it works: Answer key: 'Julian picks a shorter name because it helps everyone feel comfortable.' Identify the causal connector 'because'.
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Dictation 6 (Situation choice): 'He uses Jules only in class, while keeping Julian on records.'
Why it works: Answer key: 'He uses Jules only in class, while keeping Julian on records.' Note the limiting adverb 'only' and the contrast clause.
Your turn
In the fifth dictation, which word signals the speaker's reason for choosing a shorter name?
Answer: because
Show the answer
Answer: because
The connector 'because' introduces the underlying reason Julian selects a shorter name for his group.
Recall each preference without assuming a short name means dislike
A frequent mistake in listening comprehension is assuming that shortening a name equals disliking it. Many speakers cherish their full names while happily using a shorter form for speed or friendliness in daily life. Another common misconception is that correcting a listener signals frustration. In reality, clarifying syllable stress is simply an act of clear communication. To reinforce your learning, recall each speaker's problem and stated preference without looking at the transcript, then practice explaining your own naming preference.
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Mistake: Assuming that Julian uses Jules because he hates his legal name.
Why it works: Correction: Julian values his full name but selects Jules for informal workshops.
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Mistake: Assuming that Katerina feels irritated when clarifying syllable stress.
Why it works: Correction: Katerina clarifies pronunciation cheerfully so classmates can say it correctly.
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Recall practice: State Katerina's name preference and Julian's two different settings from memory.
Why it works: Testing recall without notes cements the distinctions in your memory.
Your turn
What is a common mistake when someone offers a shorter version of their name?
Answer: Assuming that using a short form means they dislike their full name.
Show the answer
Answer: Assuming that using a short form means they dislike their full name.
Many people appreciate both forms; they use short names simply for speed or warmth in informal groups.
Use it naturally
How people really use “pronunciation”
Neutral Fine almost anywhere, at work or with friends.
Words it often goes with
- correct pronunciationCould you teach me the correct pronunciation of your name?
- clear pronunciationHer clear pronunciation helped me understand every name.
- practice the pronunciationI want to practice the pronunciation before I introduce our guest.
- check the pronunciationLet me check the pronunciation with you before we start.
What people also say
- “How do you say your name?” instead of “Please explain the pronunciation of your name.” This is a simple, friendly way to ask.
Related forms
- pronounce verbCan you show me how to pronounce your name?
- mispronounce verbPeople sometimes mispronounce my name when they first read it.
Questions about "Unusual names"
What does 'I go by' mean when someone says their name?
The expression 'go by' means that a person prefers to be called by that name in everyday situations. It indicates customary daily usage rather than a formal legal change. When someone says 'I go by Jules', they are inviting you to address them with that familiar name.
My legal name is Alexander, but I go by Alex at work.
She goes by her middle name when speaking with friends.
Does using a short name mean someone dislikes their full name?
No. Many people appreciate their full name and its history, but choose a shorter version for practical convenience or social warmth. A shortened name can make quick group interactions simpler without replacing the person's pride in their full identity.
Julian appreciates his full name, but he uses Jules to make workshops feel relaxed.
Maria likes her complete name even though she answers to Mari in sports teams.
How can I ask someone to repeat their name politely?
You can use gentle request frames such as 'Could you say that again for me?' or 'How do you pronounce your name?' Adding a pleasant tone shows respect. Most speakers are happy to repeat their name because it prevents future mispronunciations.
Could you repeat your name slowly so I can say it right?
I want to make sure I pronounce your name correctly; could you say it once more?
Do I need to know how to spell every name in the recording?
Names can be unfamiliar, so check any spelling supplied with the exercise and listen carefully to the recording. Do not assume that a name is excluded from scoring.
The test provides unfamiliar names on a badge card so you only need to transcribe everyday words.
Focus on hearing connecting words like because and but instead of guessing unusual spellings.
How can I tell whether someone wants a nickname used all the time?
Listen for limiting words such as 'only here', 'at work', or 'with close friends'. If someone does not mention a limit, their preferred name usually applies to all regular conversations with that group. When in doubt, simply ask what they prefer in that specific setting.
He said he only uses his nickname during sports practice.
You can ask whether they prefer that short name on official certificates as well.
Before you go
Remember this
Katerina keeps her complete given name and clarifies its pronunciation patiently, while Julian uses Jules for informal community workshops and reserves Julian for formal records.
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Describe how you prefer to introduce yourself in a new study group or workplace, and explain whether your preferred name changes depending on the situation.
You could start with “When I meet new people in a class, I usually ask them to call me…”
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