being able to identify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being able to identify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capability or skill of recognizing or distinguishing something. Example: "Being able to identify the key issues in a project is crucial for its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's where the interest in being able to identify and track people is".

The New York Times - Tech

"Our whole tort system is predicated on being able to identify whose fault it was.

The New York Times

"I think the fans appreciate being able to identify with a winning team," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

And being able to identify this pattern is by no means enough to protect one from falling into it.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Basic" knowledge for an eighth grader meant being able to identify a right protected by the First Amendment.

The New York Times

"My father obviously had incredible resources in terms of being able to identify the most capable people.

The New York Times - Science

Being able to identify and classify data and ensure that there is strong controls in place to prevent cross contamination will also help mitigate part of the risk.

The Guardian

One advantage of being part of a national grouping, she says, is that there is more chance of being able to identify with another school in the chain.

The Guardian

In other cases, she helped catch poachers by being able to identify invisible remnants of feathers from endangered birds on the illegal hunters.

The New York Times

"It's been a little tussle in that area also, just because of age and being able to identify with the younger audience".

The Guardian - Music

This often means taking on work that is not finished, being able to identify potential, guess at a destination before it has been reached.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being able to identify", ensure the context clearly specifies what needs to be identified. This prevents ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple instances of "being able to identify" within a single complex sentence, as it can lead to convoluted and confusing writing. Break down the sentence into simpler parts for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being able to identify" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It typically serves as the subject or part of the subject in a sentence, indicating a capability or skill. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being able to identify" is a versatile and frequently used gerund phrase that highlights the capability to recognize or distinguish something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for professional communication, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid convoluted sentence structures. By understanding its function, purpose, and common errors, writers can effectively leverage "being able to identify" to enhance clarity and precision in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of distinguishing

Highlights the ability to see differences between items.

having the capacity to discern

Substitutes "identify" with "discern", indicating a more nuanced or perceptive form of recognition.

able to pinpoint

Emphasizes the accuracy of identifying with precision.

possessing the capability to recognize

Replaces the gerund phrase with a more formal and verbose expression.

proficient in recognizing

Indicates a high degree of skill and expertise in identifying.

skilled in detection

Focuses on the skill aspect, particularly in finding or uncovering something.

competent at spotting

Suggests a casual yet effective ability to notice something quickly.

with the aptitude for recognition

Transforms the phrase into a noun-based expression emphasizing inherent talent.

knowing how to characterize

Focuses on classifying and describing identified elements.

adept at figuring out

Informal alternative that stresses the problem-solving aspect of identification.

FAQs

How can I use "being able to identify" in a sentence?

Use "being able to identify" to indicate the capacity or skill of recognizing something. For example, "Being able to identify the source of the problem is the first step to solving it".

What are some alternatives to "being able to identify"?

Alternatives include phrases like "having the ability to recognize", "capable of distinguishing", or "skilled in detection" depending on the specific context.

Is "being able to identify" formal or informal?

"Being able to identify" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

What's the difference between "being able to identify" and "identifying"?

"Being able to identify" emphasizes the capability or potential, while "identifying" is a more direct action. For instance, "Being able to identify the issue is important" focuses on the capacity; "Identifying the issue is crucial" focuses on the act.