asking for identification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asking for identification" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is requesting proof of identity, such as in security checks or verification processes. Example: "The security guard was asking for identification before allowing anyone to enter the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The sign on Route 137 at the park entrance says "Residents Only," but frequent visitors say they have never seen anyone asking for identification.

The New York Times

Asking for identification at the polls may sound reasonable, but an Indiana law disenfranchises large numbers of people without driver's licenses, especially poor and minority voters.

The New York Times

But when he and two other Shark volunteers drove into PepsiCo's tree-lined, sculpture-studded campus in Purchase, N.Y., he said, they were greeted by security guards asking for identification and directed to a separate parking lot.

The New York Times

Since 2004, after a surge in cattle thefts following a spike in beef prices, many of the roughly 130 auction markets in Missouri have begun asking for identification and proof of ownership from anyone trying to sell unbranded cattle.

The New York Times

I was astonished that the local bank would cash my checks without asking for identification, which, as it happened, would have been a New York driver's license giving my address as West 46th Street.

The New York Times

With remarkable consistency, these residents told similar stories of facing intense scrutiny from undercover officers, of continuing to be ticketed and arrested for minor offenses, of officers sweeping through housing projects and parks, asking for identification and patting down pockets.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

They asked for identification.

The New York Times

Was he asked for identification?

The New York Times

At no time were any of us asked for identification.

The New York Times - Travel

No one stopped them, searched them or asked for identification.

The New York Times

In almost all cases they were not asked for identification.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about security procedures, use "asking for identification" to clearly convey the act of requesting proof of identity for verification purposes.

Common error

Avoid phrasing policies as if everyone always has identification readily available. Instead, acknowledge that alternative verification methods might be necessary for those without ID.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asking for identification" functions as a gerund phrase, which acts as a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts, functioning as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of requesting proof of identity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "asking for identification" is a grammatically sound gerund phrase that functions as a noun, commonly used to describe the act of requesting proof of identity for verification or security purposes. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, general writing and security domains. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it often appears in professional settings. When writing about policies or procedures, avoid assuming that everyone will always possess identification. Related phrases include "requesting credentials" and "demanding ID", each carrying nuanced connotations. The phrase's moderate frequency suggests it is a practical and recognizable expression in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requesting credentials

Replaces "identification" with a more formal term, focusing on professional or official documents.

demanding ID

Uses a more forceful verb to describe the act of requesting identification.

requiring proof of identity

Rephrases the request in terms of needing evidence of who someone is.

checking identity documents

Focuses on the action of verifying the authenticity of identity papers.

verifying credentials

Similar to "requesting credentials" but emphasizes the verification process.

seeking verification of identity

A more formal way of asking someone to prove who they are.

insisting on seeing ID

Highlights the firmness of the request for identification.

requesting to see identification

Adds a softer tone by using "requesting to see" instead of directly "asking for".

checking someone's papers

Uses a more colloquial expression referring to identity documents.

verifying a person's identity

Focuses on the purpose of the request, which is to confirm someone's identity.

FAQs

How to use "asking for identification" in a sentence?

You can use "asking for identification" in a sentence to describe the act of requesting proof of identity. For example, "The security guard was "asking for identification" before allowing entry to the building".

What can I say instead of "asking for identification"?

You can use alternatives like "requesting credentials", "demanding ID", or "requiring proof of identity" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "ask for identification" instead of "asking for identification"?

Both "ask for identification" and "asking for identification" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different uses. "Ask for identification" is an imperative or infinitive form, while "asking for identification" is a gerund phrase, often used as a noun.

What's the difference between "asking for identification" and "checking identification"?

"Asking for identification" refers to the act of requesting someone to show their ID. "Checking identification" refers to the act of examining the ID to verify its authenticity and the identity of the person presenting it.