be identified for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be identified for" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used when you are referring to someone or something being identified as having particular characteristics or qualities. For example: "The piece of art was identified for its innovative and bold style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He declined to be identified for fear of reprisal.

The Guardian

He doesn't want to be identified for fear of reprisals.

The Guardian - Business

(She declined to be identified for exactly that reason).

The New York Times - Food

Tools and methodologies must be identified for supporting the activity.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

The official did not want to be identified for fear of retribution.

The New York Times

The couple do not want to be identified for fear of repercussions.

The Guardian

Also, specific genes must be identified for different strains of diseases.

The New York Times - Health

She asked that she and her husband not be identified for fear of retaliation.

The New York Times

(They asked not to be identified for fear of backlash from the U.S.O.C. and their teammates).

The New York Times - Sports

He did not want to be identified, for fear of being tracked down.

The New York Times

Obviously, those inside the country cannot be identified for fear of retribution.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be identified for" when you want to highlight the reason or purpose for which someone or something is being recognized or singled out. For example, "The athlete was identified for her exceptional performance."

Common error

Avoid using "be identified for" when an active voice construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The suspect was identified for questioning by the police", consider "The police identified the suspect for questioning."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be identified for" functions as a passive construction used to indicate the reason or characteristic for which someone or something is being recognized or singled out. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be identified for" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the reason or purpose behind an identification. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely used. It is particularly common in news, scientific, and formal contexts. When writing, ensure that the passive voice is appropriate and that the phrase clearly specifies the characteristic or reason for identification. Consider alternatives like "be recognized as" or "be known for" to add nuance. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "be identified for" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be recognized as

Focuses on acknowledgement rather than specific identification.

be known for

Emphasizes reputation or common association.

be singled out for

Highlights a selection from a larger group.

be designated as

Implies a formal assignment or classification.

be classified as

Indicates categorization based on specific criteria.

be labeled as

Suggests a descriptive or identifying term.

be distinguished by

Highlights unique characteristics setting it apart.

be specified for

Indicates a particular application or purpose.

be pinpointed for

Emphasizes precision in identification.

be earmarked for

Suggests being set aside for a specific use or purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "be identified for" in a sentence?

Use "be identified for" to indicate the reason or characteristic someone or something is recognized for. For instance, "The area was "designated as" a conservation zone due to its unique biodiversity."

What are some alternatives to "be identified for"?

Alternatives include "be recognized as", "be known for", or "be classified as", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "identified for" or "identified by"?

"Identified for" indicates the reason, while "identified by" indicates the identifier. "The gene was identified for its role in cancer" versus "The gene was identified by researchers at Harvard".

What's the difference between "be identified for" and "be selected for"?

"Be identified for" suggests a recognition of inherent qualities, while "be selected for" indicates a choice made from a group, usually implying a competitive process.