are identified by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are identified by" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe how something is recognized or distinguished. Example: The different species of birds are identified by their unique feather patterns and distinct calls.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

TMs are identified by Roman numerals.

Nature

Topics are identified by a national survey.

Stanford University

Optical paths are identified by their wavelengths.

WDM Technologies

Photon, electron, and hadron candidates are identified by calorimeters.

Nature

The regions are identified by observing brain function.

The New York Times - Science

Peroxy radicals are identified by an odd H number.

Nature

Some athletes are identified by one name: Michael, Tiger, Serena.

The Washington Post

Of the 84 portraits, 68 are identified by name.

Princeton University

Strong interactions between sidechains are identified by blue lines.

University of California, Berkeley

The output files are identified by the label "psfmap".

Harvard University

The Monitoring countries are identified by the 2 character TLD.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are identified by" when you want to emphasize the specific characteristics or methods used to recognize or distinguish something. This phrase is particularly useful in scientific and technical writing where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "are identified by" in simple, everyday descriptions where a more direct verb like "are" or "have" would suffice. For example, instead of saying "Apples are identified by their red color", you could say "Apples are red".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are identified by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating how something is recognized or distinguished. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

30%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are identified by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction. As noted by Ludwig AI, it serves to specify how something is recognized or differentiated. The phrase finds its strongest presence in scientific, news, and academic contexts, reflecting a tendency towards formal and objective identification. When employing "are identified by", ensure that you are highlighting the specific criteria or methods of recognition, and avoid overuse in simpler descriptive contexts. Consider alternatives like "are distinguished by" or "are recognized through" for varied emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are distinguished by

Highlights the features that set something apart.

are characterized by

Focuses on the defining characteristics.

are recognized through

Emphasizes the process of recognition rather than the distinguishing features.

are classified based on

Emphasizes the categorization process based on specific criteria.

are designated by

Focuses on an official or formal method of identification.

are determined by

Focuses on the factors that decide or influence identification.

are revealed by

Suggests that identification comes from an uncovering or discovery process.

can be pinpointed by

Suggests a precise and specific method of identification.

are labeled by

Highlights the act of assigning a specific label for identification.

are known for

Highlights characteristics for which something is generally known.

FAQs

How can I use "are identified by" in a sentence?

Use "are identified by" to describe the features or methods that allow something to be recognized. For example, "Species "are identified by" molecular analysis".

What are some alternatives to "are identified by"?

Alternatives include "are distinguished by", "are recognized through", or "are determined by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is identified by" instead of "are identified by"?

Yes, "is identified by" is correct when referring to a singular subject, while "are identified by" is used for plural subjects. For example, "The key characteristic is identified by its color", but "Key characteristics "are identified by" their colors".

How does "are identified by" differ from "are defined by"?

"Are identified by" focuses on recognition or differentiation, while "are defined by" focuses on the essential qualities that constitute something. For example, a symptom is identified by observation, but a concept is defined by its essential properties.