Identify as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Identify as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when someone is expressing their personal identity or affiliation with a particular group or category. Example: "Many people today feel comfortable to identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"I don't identify as white".

The New Yorker

"I identify as queer.

The Guardian

Many identify as heterosexual.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only 6percentt identify as liberal.

The Washington Post

They identify as straight.

Huffington Post

Natalie, you identify as straight.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Please self-identify as a bigot.

Independent

Granite doesn't self-identify as igneous.

The Guardian - Books

Suspect identified as Sunil Tripathi".

The New York Times - Magazine

Perlstein identifies as transgender.

The Guardian - Music

Four were identified as elderly tribal leaders.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always respect an individual's self-identified identity when using the phrase "identify as".

Common error

Avoid imposing identities onto others or assuming you know how someone "identifies as". Always use their self-declared identity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identify as" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating self-identification or self-categorization. It expresses how an individual perceives and defines themselves in relation to a particular group, characteristic, or belief. Ludwig AI examples show its usage in diverse contexts, from ethnicity to sexual orientation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "identify as" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express self-identification and affiliation with various groups or characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread usage across news, media, and general contexts. While alternatives such as "regard oneself as" or "consider oneself to be" exist, "identify as" is a direct and effective way to convey personal identity. When using this phrase, always prioritize respect for individual self-definition and avoid imposing identities onto others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Regard oneself as

Focuses on how someone views themself, placing emphasis on personal opinion.

Consider oneself to be

Emphasizes a more thoughtful or deliberate self-assessment.

See oneself as

Highlights the personal vision and image someone has of themself.

Acknowledge oneself as

Indicates a recognition or acceptance of a particular identity.

Associate oneself with

Highlights a sense of belonging or connection to a group or idea.

Affiliate oneself with

Focuses on a formal or public connection to a group or cause.

Classify oneself as

Emphasizes a categorization or labeling of oneself.

Present oneself as

Focuses on the image one projects to others.

Define oneself as

Highlights the act of establishing one's own identity parameters.

Perceive oneself as

Focuses on the subjective experience of self-understanding.

FAQs

How do I use "identify as" in a sentence?

Use "identify as" to describe how someone perceives or defines themself in relation to a particular group, characteristic, or belief. For example: "She "identifies as" non-binary."

What's the difference between "identify as" and "consider oneself to be"?

"Identify as" emphasizes a strong personal connection and self-definition, while "consider oneself to be" suggests a more thoughtful or evaluative self-assessment. The first is more about instinctive self-categorization, while the second is more reflective.

Is it correct to say someone "identifies as" something, or is there a better alternative?

Saying someone ""identifies as"" something is perfectly correct. Alternative phrases include "regards oneself as" or "considers oneself to be", but ""identifies as"" is a common and acceptable choice.

What can I say instead of "identify as" in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, you might use "regard oneself as", "classify oneself as", or "define oneself as" to maintain a more professional tone.