Cool MateLabel vs The name vs Title
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Label
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
The name
Top 3,000 (common)
Title
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
| Label | The name | Title | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈleɪbl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈleɪbl/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðə neɪm//🇺🇸 //ðə neɪm// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈtaɪtl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈtaɪtl/"]/ |
| Meaning | A word or symbol that tells you what something is. | What someone is called. | A name for a book, movie, or other work. |
| Example | Please attach a label to each box so we know what’s inside. | The name of the book is 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. | The title of the book is very intriguing. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - | A1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun | |
| Collocations | adhesive, sticky, package, bear, carry, have, on a/the label, label on, ideological, party, apply, assign, attach, music, record, major, launch, sign to, sign with, under a/the label | the name of, the name shall live on, the name is important, a common name, the full name | album, book, chapter, give something, page, sequence, character, under a/the title, new, best-selling, book, publish, release, grand, long, courtesy, bear, have, inherit, grand, long, courtesy, bear, have, inherit, European, national, world, capture, claim, clinch, challenge, shot, defence/defense |
| Antonyms | unlabelled, nameless | - | subtitle, footer |
| Common mistakes | 'Label' is sometimes confused with 'tag' even though they can have different uses., Learners might forget to use 'label' as a verb and instead use it only as a noun., Some learners use 'label' incorrectly in plural forms like 'labeles'. | Confused with 'the names' when referring to plural., Using 'the name' without specifying what it refers to., Misplacing 'the name' in a sentence, such as putting it at the end. | 'Titling' used incorrectly as a verb instead of 'titled'., Confusing 'title' with 'headline' in news contexts., Using 'title' for proper names instead of 'name' in informal settings. |
| Usage notes | Use 'label' when referring to names or tags for items. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid using it in very casual conversations. | Use 'the name' when referring to someone or something's identity. It's neutral and appropriate in most contexts. Avoid using it in overly casual situations where slang is preferred. | Use 'title' when referring to the name of a creative work. It's neutral and widely applicable, but avoid it in very casual contexts where people might use simpler terms. |
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Frequently asked questions: Label vs The name vs Title
What's the difference between Label, The name, and Title?
Label: A word or symbol that tells you what something is. The name: What someone is called. Title: A name for a book, movie, or other work.
Which is more advanced: Label, The name, and Title?
Label is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Label: Please attach a label to each box so we know what’s inside. The name: The name of the book is 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. Title: The title of the book is very intriguing.
Can I use Label, The name, and Title interchangeably?
Not always. Label, The name, and Title are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.