can identify

USAGE SUMMARY

"can identify" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone's ability to recognize or distinguish something. For example: "The consultant could identify the problem quickly and offer a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chicago can identify.

The New York Times - Sports

Books I can identify.

The New Yorker

Sampras can identify.

The New York Times - Sports

I can identify.

The New York Times - Style

We can identify poison ivy.

The New Yorker

Characters you can identify with.

Independent

Anyone can identify with that".

The New York Times

Most people can identify the Taj Mahal.

The Economist

LeBreton can identify all of them.

The New Yorker

"I can identify with that," he said.

The New Yorker

"They can identify themselves through us.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity in technical writing, prefer "can identify" over more ambiguous alternatives such as "see" or "notice" to precisely convey the capability to recognize specific elements or patterns.

Common error

Avoid using "can identify" when describing subjective experiences or feelings. Phrases like "relate to" or "understand" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can identify" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing the ability or capacity to recognize, detect, or determine something. Ludwig AI, based on the provided examples, confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can identify" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that expresses the ability to recognize, detect, or determine something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound and widely applicable expression. Its prevalence in news, media, and scientific contexts highlights its suitability for conveying objective capabilities. While "can identify" is generally appropriate across various registers, it is crucial to consider the context and ensure alignment with the subject matter. It is advisable to use more appropriate verbs like "relate to" in subjective or emotional writing scenarios. Based on the analyses, "can identify" is a powerful tool in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to recognize

Emphasizes the capability of recognition.

has the ability to discern

Highlights the skill in distinguishing differences.

is capable of detecting

Focuses on the capacity to notice or discover.

knows how to pinpoint

Indicates precise identification skills.

can distinguish between

Stresses the power to differentiate between options.

is skilled at recognizing

Highlights expertise in recognition.

manages to diagnose

Implies an expertise in recognizing the condition or the disease.

can make out

Refers to a way of seeing or hearing something with effort.

is familiar with

Highlights how someone is acquainted with or recognizes something.

is in a position to determine

Highlights the capability to establish exactly or discover as a result of research.

FAQs

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

You can use "can identify" to indicate the ability to recognize or determine something. For instance, "The software "can detect" errors" or "Experts "are able to recognize" patterns".

What are some alternatives to "can identify"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "is able to recognize", "is capable of detecting", or "knows how to pinpoint".

Is it better to use "can identify" or "is able to identify"?

Both "can identify" and "is able to identify" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Can identify" is generally more concise, while "is able to identify" may add emphasis to the capability.

When should I not use "can identify"?

Avoid using "can identify" when describing subjective or emotional experiences. In such cases, consider using verbs like "relate to", "understand", or "empathize with" instead.