aliases

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aliases" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to alternative names or identities that a person or entity may use, often in contexts like computing, literature, or law. Example: "In the online gaming community, many players use aliases to protect their real identities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

JIEDDO used aliases and impersonated US college students to gather information.

The Guardian

JIEDDO also evidently used aliases in a broader manner, mined Facebook and Twitter to collect information and inappropriately accessed an NSA database, but sections on those practices are blacked out of the declassified report.

The Guardian

By nightfall, word was spreading about other Obama cabinet members: NBC's Washington affiliate reported that the personal email of former defense secretary Chuck Hagel had on at least one occasion been used for government business; outgoing attorney general Eric Holder has reportedly alternated between several aliases.

The Guardian

It is not unusual for immigrants to have several aliases.

The Economist

HIS seven online aliases which include Anarchaos, POW and yohoho suggest that Jeremy Hammond, as somebody who spends much of his time at a keyboard talking to other people with aliases online, is a distrustful man.

The Economist

That raises the possibility of genetic information being used to discriminate against individuals or to deny coverage, a scenario that many Americans fear.To encourage confidentiality, both deCODE and 23andMe say they will accept customers anonymously, using aliases and PayPal accounts.

The Economist

First, there are no aliases, such as Phillygal29 or JamboNYC: everybody must log on with real names and passwords that have been assigned by an authorised system administrator.Second, users can access the network only from designated computers.

The Economist

But they could have done more to make the book accessible to the general reader, who will be put off by a mass of names (and aliases) and a complex set of plots and subplots.

The Economist

Other women can check potential clients by names, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and online aliases.

The Economist

And many of their alleged associates in the al-Qaeda terrorist network who are now on trial in Europe have used several aliases.

The Economist

Yet his lectures remain available as audio files in cyberspace.Ginger-haired and married to a Spaniard, Mr al-Suri went by several aliases, including El Español and El Rubio (the blond one).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or security matters, clearly define the difference between a person's legal name and any "aliases" they may use.

Common error

Don't assume that using an "alias" is the same as legally changing your name. Legal name changes require a formal process, while using an "alias" is simply using an alternative name.

Linguistic Context

The term "aliases" functions primarily as a plural noun, referring to multiple alternative names or identities. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. Examples show its use in describing alternative names used for concealment or operational purposes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "aliases" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun, primarily found in neutral to professional contexts like News & Media and Encyclopedias. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to alternative names, often used to conceal identity or for operational purposes. While "aliases" can overlap in meaning with terms like "pseudonyms" and "assumed names", it's important to distinguish it from legal name changes and to consider the specific context in which it's used. Correct usage involves understanding its connotations of secrecy and alternative identities, as opposed to informal nicknames.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pseudonyms

Refers to fictitious names, often used by authors.

assumed names

Highlights the act of taking on a different name.

false identities

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of using a different identity.

alternate identities

Focuses on having multiple identities.

aka

A short abbreviation meaning "also known as".

stage names

Specifically refers to names used by performers.

noms de guerre

French term for "war names", often used by resistance fighters.

handles

Informal term for online usernames or nicknames.

nicknames

Informal, often affectionate, names.

pen names

Names used by authors to conceal their identity.

FAQs

How do I use "aliases" in a sentence?

You can use "aliases" to refer to alternative names someone uses, such as: "The suspect used several "false identities"." or "Many hackers operate under various "pseudonyms"."

What's the difference between "aliases" and "nicknames"?

"Nicknames" are usually informal or affectionate names, while "aliases" often imply a deliberate attempt to conceal one's true identity. Although both are alternative names, "false identities" have a stronger association with secrecy or deception.

What are some synonyms for "aliases"?

Some synonyms for "aliases" include "pseudonyms", "assumed names", "false identities", and "alternate identities". The best choice depends on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "aliases"?

It's appropriate to use "aliases" when discussing situations where individuals or entities use alternative names, such as in criminal investigations, online activities, or when describing pen names used by authors. It could be used to talk about a person acting under "stage names".