be formally identified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be formally identified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something or someone should be recognized or designated in an official manner. Example: "Before the project can proceed, all participants must be formally identified to ensure compliance with regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It was the first piece to be formally identified as part of the MH370 wreckage.

The Guardian

The victim is expected to be formally identified later on Thursday.

The Guardian

The athletes have yet to be formally identified because analysis of their B samples is pending.

The New York Times - Sports

The woman has yet to be formally identified and a postmortem is due to take place later on Monday.

The Guardian

Mr Massey's body is yet to be formally identified but his next-of-kin had been informed.

Independent

"The body of the man, who has yet to be formally identified, was impaled on railings," he added.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

She was formally identified through dental records.

Independent

And no victims have been formally identified.

The Economist

The baby has not been formally identified.

The Guardian

None of the victims have been formally identified.

The Guardian

Only 37 of the 153 bodies have been formally identified.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing reports or official documents, use "be formally identified" to clearly indicate that an identification process has been officially completed, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using less specific phrases like "be known as" when a formal identification process is required. "Be known as" can imply informal knowledge, while "be formally identified" signifies an official determination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be formally identified" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject has undergone an official process of identification. Ludwig AI's examples showcase its use in contexts involving official reports, news articles, and scientific findings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

29%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be formally identified" signifies an official recognition or designation, employed across various domains, notably news and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its prevalence in scenarios demanding precision and legitimacy. The phrase's frequency is common, with news outlets and scientific publications being the most frequent sources. When a less formal tone is desired, alternatives like "be officially recognized" or "be duly acknowledged" might be appropriate. It's important to use "be formally identified" when emphasizing an official identification has occurred, differentiating it from more casual forms of recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be officially recognized

Emphasizes the official aspect of recognition, similar to formal identification.

be properly authenticated

Focuses on the verification of legitimacy, akin to ensuring formal identification.

be duly acknowledged

Highlights the appropriate or expected recognition, similar to formal identification.

be legally validated

Stresses the legal aspect of the identification process.

be officially designated

Focuses on the act of assigning a specific role or status in a formal manner.

be correctly classified

Highlights the accurate categorization as a result of formal identification.

be precisely determined

Emphasizes the accuracy and exactness of the identification.

be accurately pinpointed

Highlights the precision in locating or identifying something.

be authoritatively confirmed

Focuses on confirmation by a source with authority.

be definitively ascertained

Emphasizes the conclusive nature of the identification.

FAQs

What does "be formally identified" mean?

The phrase "be formally identified" means that something or someone has been officially recognized or designated through a specific process or procedure.

When is it appropriate to use "be formally identified"?

Use "be formally identified" when you want to emphasize that an identification process was official and adhered to specific protocols, particularly in legal, scientific, or governmental contexts.

What can I say instead of "be formally identified"?

You can use alternatives like "be officially recognized", "be properly authenticated", or "be duly acknowledged" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "be formally identified" differ from "be generally known as"?

"Be formally identified" implies an official designation through a specific process, while "be generally known as" indicates a common but potentially unofficial name or description.