Introduce two people in English, then let them talk

The British Council's Introducing a friend transcript models a simple introduction using a person's name followed by "this is" and the new person's name. The two people then speak directly to each other.

That basic structure also works in an everyday adult setting:

"Leah, this is Arun. We take the same evening class. Arun, Leah lives next door to me."

Pause there. Either person can greet the other or ask a question. If you keep talking, they may not know when you are finished.

For a work introduction, choose the role that matters to the conversation:

"Nadia, this is Ben. He coordinates the deliveries for this project. Ben, Nadia is handling the venue booking."

That gives them a reason to recognise each other's names without listing every job they have done. Use titles when the setting calls for them, but don't invent a title or qualification because it makes the introduction sound more impressive.

Imagine you know these facts: Leah grows herbs on her balcony. Arun has just joined your evening photography class. Arun once asked you whether there were parks nearby. You do not know whether he likes gardening.

Here is an introduction to repair:

"Leah, you absolutely have to meet Arun. You're both obsessed with gardening, and he'll definitely help you with your plants. Arun, Leah has loads of free time, so she can show you around whenever you want."

It creates obligations neither person accepted. It also treats a question about parks as evidence of a shared gardening hobby.

A more accurate version is:

"Leah, this is Arun from my photography class. Arun, this is Leah, my neighbour. You asked about local parks earlier. Leah, do you know the park beside the station?"

Leah can answer yes or no. Arun can explain what he wanted to know. Neither has been volunteered to give a tour or do gardening work.

You could also stop after the names and relationships. A connecting question is optional. Don't manufacture common ground just because an introduction formula tells you to add some.

What you know	A suitable introduction detail	A claim to avoid
You attend a class together	"We take the same class."	"She's an expert in this subject."
Someone asked about a local park	"He was asking about parks nearby."	"He loves gardening too."
Someone works on a particular project	"She is working on the venue booking."	"She can approve all your requests."
You have seen the two people in the same room	"Have you two met?"	"You already know each other."

In these examples, the problem is not complicated grammar. It is adding more than you actually know. A plain, accurate sentence is more useful than an enthusiastic but incorrect one.

Let people choose what else to share. You don't need to introduce someone through a private difficulty, a recent rejection, or a personal matter they told you in confidence. Use a public connection such as the event, class, project, or activity that brought you together.

If a name slips your mind, you can acknowledge it briefly:

"I'm sorry, could you remind me of your name? I wanted to introduce you to Leah."

Once they answer, use the name and continue. A long explanation of why you forgot can take over the introduction.

If you are unsure how to pronounce the name, ask the person to say it and try it back. Written spelling can help you remember it, but don't assume the spelling tells you the pronunciation. Let the person correct you without turning it into a performance for the group.

You can also invite a direct introduction: "Leah, have you two introduced yourselves?" Use that when it fits the situation, not as a way to pretend you know a name you have forgotten.

After an introduction, listen for the other two people addressing each other. If Arun asks Leah a question, let Leah answer. You may know the answer, but answering every question on her behalf keeps you at the centre of their conversation.

If both people start talking at once, you can leave them room to resolve it. If needed, a short handover such as "Leah, you were about to say something" is enough. Our guide to simultaneous starts in English has a separate exercise for that moment.

If they have met before, acknowledge it: "Oh, you already know each other." Then move on. You do not need to repeat the introduction or test how much they remember.

Work with two partners. Each chooses a name, a public role or activity, and one optional detail they are comfortable sharing. These can be fictional. Tell the introducer which detail is optional rather than assuming every fact belongs in the introduction.

The introducer brings the other two people together in two or three sentences. The other two then exchange greetings and ask each other one question. The introducer listens instead of answering for them.

Afterwards, check whether both names were clear and whether every claim matched the information provided. Did either person have to correct an invented interest or a promise made on their behalf? Did they get a chance to speak directly?

Rotate roles. On the next round, have the two people explain that they have already met. Practise acknowledging that and letting their conversation continue. The aim is an introduction that fits what actually happens, not a perfectly memorised speech.