I identified with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I identified with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a sense of connection or empathy with someone else's feelings, experiences, or perspectives. Example: "When I read her story about overcoming challenges, I identified with her struggles and felt inspired by her resilience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I identified with her.

The New York Times

I identified with men.

The Guardian - Music

I identified with it, deeply.

The Guardian - Sport

"I identified with him completely".

The New York Times

I identified with that couple.

The Guardian - Film

I identified with it in some way.

The New York Times - Arts

I identified with it," he says.

The Guardian - Music

I know I identified with them".

The New York Times - Arts

"Maybe I identified with this young woman.

The New York Times - Arts

Everything I identified with was being pushed out.

The Guardian

I identified with that; it was part of my DNA".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a character, historical figure, or abstract concept, use "I identified with" to show your personal involvement and understanding of their motivations or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "I identified with" simply because you agree with someone's opinion. The phrase implies a deeper, more personal connection beyond surface-level agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I identified with" functions as a statement of personal connection or empathy. It expresses a subjective experience of relating to someone or something, as Ludwig's examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I identified with" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a personal connection or sense of empathy. As Ludwig AI confirms, its meaning is clear and widely understood. While alternatives like "I related to" or "I resonated with" exist, "I identified with" specifically implies a deeper, more personal understanding beyond mere agreement. It is prevalent in news and media contexts, indicating its neutrality and broad applicability. To avoid misuse, it's important to ensure that the identification is based on genuine connection rather than superficial agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I related to

Focuses on shared experiences or feelings.

I empathized with

Stresses the ability to share and understand the feelings of another.

I resonated with

Emphasizes a deeper emotional or personal connection.

I sympathized with

Implies feeling pity or sorrow for someone's misfortune.

I felt a connection with

Highlights the feeling of being linked or bonded.

I saw myself in

Indicates a strong personal connection or reflection.

I felt akin to

Suggests a natural or inherent similarity.

I understood

Highlights a cognitive grasp of the situation or person.

I found common ground with

Focuses on shared beliefs, interests, or goals.

I was on the same wavelength as

Emphasizes a shared understanding or way of thinking.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "I identified with" someone?

Saying "I identified with" someone means you felt a connection or understanding based on shared experiences, feelings, or perspectives. It suggests empathy and a sense of shared identity.

What are some alternatives to "I identified with"?

You can use alternatives like "I related to", "I resonated with", or "I empathized with" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I identify with" instead of "I identified with"?

Yes, both are correct, but they have different tenses. "I identify with" is present tense, used to describe a current connection or feeling. "I identified with" is past tense, used to describe a connection or feeling from the past.

How is "I identified with" different from "I agreed with"?

"I identified with" implies a deeper, more personal connection based on shared experiences or feelings. "I agreed with", on the other hand, simply means you share the same opinion or belief.