formally identify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formally identify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the official or structured process of recognizing or naming something in a formal context. Example: "In the meeting, we will formally identify the key stakeholders involved in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

A Humberside police spokesman said inquiries were under way to formally identify the victim.

The Guardian

The government would not formally identify them or describe their suspected transgressions.

The New York Times

Van der Sypt added that officers were still working to formally identify the two gunmen killed in the shootout.

The Guardian

Scotland Yard detectives travelled to Ghana to formally identify the arrested man as Simpson-Kent before planned extradition proceedings.

The Guardian

He added that progress was being made in the investigation to formally identify the second male found in the crate.

Independent

European leaders will also reappoint Mr. Solana, 61, as their foreign and security policy high representative and formally identify him as foreign minister-designate, a European official said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

She was formally identified through dental records.

Independent

And no victims have been formally identified.

The Economist

The baby has not been formally identified.

The Guardian

None of the victims have been formally identified.

The Guardian

Only 37 of the 153 bodies have been formally identified.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, use "formally identify" when describing a rigorous or systematic process of defining or categorizing elements.

Common error

Avoid using "formally identify" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly rigid or pretentious when a simpler term like "identify" or "recognize" would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formally identify" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of officially and explicitly recognizing or determining the identity of something or someone. Ludwig examples confirm this usage in contexts ranging from legal to scientific.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formally identify" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of officially and explicitly recognizing or determining the identity of something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms it’s grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the identification process is official and structured, avoiding overuse in informal settings. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "officially recognize" or "legally authenticate" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

officially recognize

Implies a formal acknowledgement or acceptance of something.

certify the identification

Involves a formal certification process to confirm identity.

legally authenticate

Focuses on the legal validity and confirmation of identity.

confirm officially

Suggests a formal confirmation of a previously suspected identity.

explicitly designate

Highlights the act of clearly and formally assigning a name or status.

properly classify

Emphasizes the correct and formal categorization of something.

validate conclusively

Stresses the definitive and formal validation of an identification.

establish definitively

Highlights setting identity beyond doubt through formal means.

ascertain authoritatively

Emphasizes a strong and reliable determination of identity.

determine precisely

Focuses on accuracy and formality in establishing an identity.

FAQs

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

You can use "formally identify" when referring to the official or structured process of recognizing or naming something. For example: "The police needed to formally identify the body before notifying the family."

What is a good alternative to "formally identify"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "officially recognize", "legally authenticate", or "explicitly designate".

When is it appropriate to use "formally identify" instead of just "identify"?

Use "formally identify" when the identification process is official, structured, and often involves documentation or legal processes. "Identify" is more general and can be used in less formal situations.

Is it correct to say "legally identify" instead of "formally identify"?

While "legally identify" can be used in certain contexts, it specifically refers to identification within a legal framework. "Formally identify" is broader and can include official but non-legal contexts.