how is she called?

[Will17]

Hello,

Can you tell me which one is correct, please:

What is she called?

How is she called?


Are they both correct? If yes, is one of them more used in informal language/speech?

Thanks
W

 

[Snowcake]

The first one is correct, at least 'what'.

However, if want to know somebody's name, you say:

What is her name?

corresponding to:

What's your name?

You don't say "what are you called?" ;-)

But you can say

What do you call that? (if you ask for a word)

e.g. What do you call book in Spanish?

Hope this helps
Snowcake

 

[riverkid]

Hello,

Can you tell me which one is correct, please:

What is she called?

How is she called?

Using 'how' carries a meaning of, "in what manner is she called, by phone, with a bell,", which isn't likely your intent, right, Will?

This seems to be a common mistake among ESLs and it seems to be influenced by their mother tongue.

"What is she called" could be used to ask about her name, but as Snowcake pointed out it's not the norm. It would be used more to refer to nicknames; She's called {______} OR Her friends call her {____}.


Are they both correct? If yes, is one of them more used in informal language/speech?

Thanks
W

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