"its name is" vs "its name was"

Question

"its name is" vs "its name was"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Its name is' is used when referring to the current name of something or someone, while 'its name was' is used when referring to a past name that is no longer valid.

Last Updated: March 08, 2024

Use 'its name is' when you want to state the current name of an object, person, or animal.

Examples:

Its name is John.
Its name is the Eiffel Tower.
Its name is Rover.

Alternatives:

it is named
it goes by the name of
it is called

Use 'its name was' when you want to refer to a name that something or someone used to have but no longer does.

Examples:

Its name was Prince.
Its name was Constantinople.
Its name was Rover before we changed it.

Alternatives:

it used to be called
it was known as
it was formerly named

Answer 1

its name is

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to the current name of something or someone.

Answer 2

its name was

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a past name that is no longer valid.

"its name is" vs "its name was"

its name is

its name was

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