double identity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "double identity" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, Jane's double identity as a high school student by day and a superhero by night was kept a secret from her classmates.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Palace is central to Gstaad's odd double identity.

The Guardian

The movie's double identity is its charm and its curse.

The New Yorker

Each of the main characters has a double identity.

The New York Times

"This is what we want to protect, Rome's double identity.

The New York Times - Arts

This double identity is new to most of the women.

The New York Times - Sports

Superman's powers weren't unique, but his schlumpy double identity was.

The New Yorker

Here he reflects on the the dilemma of his double identity.

The Guardian - Books

Golden age crime writers, like bigamists, enjoyed the freedom granted by a double identity.

The Guardian - Books

Some follow Mallarmé's rhyme schemes, in order to preserve his double identity as traditionalist and experimenter.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The trope of double-identity becomes a brilliant meditation on choices and alternative lives, on the presence of death which forces these choices on us, and on the terrible demands which art can make - if we choose to let it.

The Guardian

It's not just outer London that suffers from this geographical "double-identity".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "double identity" to describe situations where someone leads two distinct and often contrasting lives or assumes different roles, ensuring the context clarifies the nature and purpose of the dual existence.

Common error

Avoid using "double identity" when referring to severe psychological conditions like Dissociative Identity Disorder. "Double identity" typically describes a chosen or situational duality, not a clinical diagnosis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "double identity" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is used to describe a situation where an individual or entity has two distinct roles or personas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "double identity" is a common noun phrase used to describe the state of having two distinct roles or personas. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, literature, and film. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to distinguish its descriptive use from clinical psychological terms. Consider alternatives like "dual role" or "secret life" for nuanced expression. When writing, ensure the context clarifies the nature and purpose of the duality to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dual role

Focuses on the two different roles a person might have.

secret life

Emphasizes the hidden aspect of a person's alternative existence.

alternate persona

Highlights the different personality adopted in a separate identity.

hidden identity

Focuses on the concealed nature of the second identity.

split personality

Refers to a more clinical or psychological division of identity.

twofold existence

Highlights having two different forms of existence.

second self

Emphasizes an alternative version of oneself.

Janus-faced

Implies a duplicitous nature, showing different appearances.

undercover guise

Suggests an identity assumed for the purpose of secrecy or espionage.

dual nature

Focuses on inherent conflicting characteristics or identities.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "double identity" in a sentence?

The phrase "double identity" is used to describe a situation where someone leads two distinct lives or assumes two different roles. For example, "Superman maintained a "double identity" as Clark Kent to protect himself and his loved ones".

What's a similar phrase to "double identity"?

Alternatives to "double identity" include "dual role", "secret life", or "alternate persona", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to use "double identity" in a formal setting?

Yes, "double identity" is suitable for formal contexts when describing a planned or accepted dual role. However, if implying deception, consider alternative phrases like "duplicity" or "Janus-faced" for stronger emphasis.

What is the nuance between "double identity" and "dual identity"?

"Double identity" and "dual identity" are often used interchangeably. "Double identity" might subtly suggest a more intentional or constructed duality, while "dual identity" can imply a more inherent or natural one. The difference is minimal and context-dependent.