be identified by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be identified by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how someone or something is recognized or distinguished by certain characteristics or identifiers. Example: "In the study, participants will be identified by their unique ID numbers to ensure confidentiality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The F.B.I. official declined to be identified by name.

The New York Times

He allowed himself to be identified by name -- Capt.

The New York Times

The driver would have to be identified by dental records.

The New Yorker

The aide refused to be identified by name.

The New York Times

Owners would have to be identified by photograph and fingerprints.

The Guardian

Fibres can be identified by differential staining and microscopic examination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(He too could only be identified by one name).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

His body was identified by relatives.

The Guardian

The patients were identified by first names.

The New York Times - Sports

(The insects were identified by entomologists).

The New York Times

He was identified by his fingerprints.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be identified by", ensure that the characteristic or method of identification is clearly and explicitly stated. For example: "The suspect could be identified by a distinctive tattoo on his left arm."

Common error

Avoid using "be identified by" without specifying how something is identified. Instead of saying "The problem can be identified by", specify, "The problem can be identified by analyzing the error logs."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be identified by" functions as part of a passive construction, indicating the means or method through which something can be recognized or determined. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for describing recognition based on specific characteristics. For instance, "Molecules can be identified by the time it takes them to reach the detector."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be identified by" is a commonly used phrase that serves to explain how something is recognized or distinguished. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered correct and usable in written English. It frequently appears in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its versatility across different domains. Remember to clearly state the identifiers to avoid vagueness, and choose active or passive voice depending on whether the actor or the identifier is more important. Alternatives such as "be recognized through" or "be distinguished by" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be recognized through

Focuses on the act of recognizing something based on certain features, similar to identifying.

be distinguished by

Highlights the unique characteristics that set something apart, allowing for identification.

be determined by

Emphasizes the process of finding something out or establishing it, which relates to identification.

be ascertained through

Stresses the process of discovering something definitely, much like the outcome of identification.

be known by

Indicates that something is famous or easily recognized due to certain traits.

be classified by

Relates to putting things into categories based on specific criteria, closely linked to how things are identified.

be characterized by

Describes the attributes that define something, aiding in its identification.

be marked by

Highlights the distinctive signs or features that make something identifiable.

be revealed through

Suggests that identification happens by uncovering something that was not previously clear.

be diagnosed via

Implies a formal process of identification, typically in medical or technical contexts.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be identified by" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "be recognized through", "be ascertained through", or "be distinguished by", depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be identified by"?

The choice depends on the context. Passive voice is suitable when the identifier is more important than the actor: "The gene is identified by its unique sequence." Active voice is appropriate when the actor is important: "Researchers identify the gene by its unique sequence."

What are some common mistakes when using the phrase "be identified by"?

A common mistake is failing to specify what allows for the identification. Always provide the specific characteristics or methods used for identification to avoid ambiguity. For example, avoid saying: "Species can be identified by" instead, specify: "Species can be identified by their DNA."

Can "be identified by" be used in scientific writing?

Yes, "be identified by" is commonly used in scientific writing to describe how elements, compounds, or organisms are recognized. For instance: "The compound can be identified by its spectral signature."