begins to identify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begins to identify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the initial stages of recognizing or determining something. Example: "As the investigation progresses, the detective begins to identify potential suspects based on the evidence collected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

She begins to identify with them.

The New Yorker

Walliams begins to identify the other five boys in the photograph with him.

Independent

As the correspondence unfolds, each man begins to identify both the sources of the rancour he excites and the defence against it.

The Guardian - Books

He begins to identify with President Richard M. Nixon during Watergate, while his son, Chapter Eleven, worries about being drafted and sent to Vietnam.

The New York Times - Books

Stockholm syndrome, psychological response wherein a captive begins to identify closely with his or her captors, as well as with their agenda and demands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Inevitably she begins to identify Moro's plight with theirs, a confusion driven home when she attends a family wedding, where her older relatives, their faces as kindly and wrinkled as his, burst into a rousing anti-Fascist marching song.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"I began to identify with Jeremy".

The New York Times - Magazine

We almost begin to identify with him.

The New York Times

But researchers have begun to identify the I.C.U.

The New York Times

I even began to identify with the Bobcat.

The New York Times

They also began to identify sites where development could begin immediately.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begins to identify" when you want to emphasize the initial stage of a process where someone is starting to recognize or understand something, but hasn't fully grasped it yet. It suggests a gradual unfolding of awareness.

Common error

Avoid using "begins to identify" when a more definitive term like "identifies" or "determines" would be more accurate. "Begins to identify" is best suited for situations where the identification is tentative or in its early stages, not when a clear conclusion has been reached.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begins to identify" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a cognitive process. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in contexts where recognition or understanding is developing. This is in agreement with the assessment provided by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begins to identify" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe the initial stages of recognition or understanding, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is categorized as a phrase and exhibits a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles. While not as frequent as simpler alternatives, it adds a nuanced meaning of gradual awareness. Primarily found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Encyclopedias", it signifies the start of a cognitive process rather than a definitive conclusion. Using this phrase effectively involves understanding when the tentativeness of the identification process is a key aspect of the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starts to recognize

Replaces "identify" with "recognize", implying an initial awareness rather than a concrete identification.

commences identifying

Uses a more formal verb ("commences") to indicate the start of the identification process.

begins to discern

Substitutes "identify" with "discern", suggesting a gradual perception or understanding.

begins to perceive

Employs "perceive" instead of "identify", indicating an initial awareness or impression.

starts to determine

Replaces "identify" with "determine", implying a move towards a more definite conclusion.

begins to understand

Focuses on the comprehension aspect, rather than the specific act of identification.

starts pinpointing

Replaces the whole phrase with a single verb that signifies to find or discover exactly.

starts to figure out

Uses a more casual and conversational expression for beginning to understand something.

is starting to notice

Emphasizes the aspect of noticing something for the first time, implying a gradual awareness.

begins to distinguish

Replaces "identify" with "distinguish", emphasizing the process of differentiating between things.

FAQs

How can I use "begins to identify" in a sentence?

You can use "begins to identify" to describe the initial stage of recognition or understanding. For example: "As the research progressed, the scientist "begins to identify" patterns in the data".

What are some alternatives to "begins to identify"?

Alternatives include "starts to recognize", "commences identifying", or "begins to discern" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "begins to identify" or "identifies"?

Use "begins to identify" when the identification is in its initial stages or tentative. Use "identifies" when the recognition or understanding is clear and definite.

What's the difference between "begins to identify" and "starts to identify"?

The phrases "begins to identify" and "starts to identify" are largely interchangeable. "Begins" is slightly more formal, while "starts" is more casual.