have been identifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been identifying" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an ongoing action or process that started in the past and continues into the present. Example: "Over the past few months, we have been identifying key areas for improvement in our workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

■ What researchers at the New York State Psychiatric Institute have been identifying as "atypical depression".

The New York Times

Not far from the morgue where families have been identifying their dead, a group of children are playing in a tent set up by Save the Children, using drawing as a way to express the trauma they have experienced.

The Guardian

For the past four years, the wildlife biologists and ecologists Ryan and Rebecca Means have been identifying and documenting the remotest place in each of the 50 states for their continuing Project Remote (remotefootprints.org).org

The New York Times - Travel

Westeros is a dangerous place governed by the whims of men, not the rule of law, and the first novel in his series is famous for (spoilers follow!) dispatching a thoroughly admirable major character with whom readers have been identifying for most of the book.

The New York Times - Books

Indeed, Blekko users have been identifying quality content in vertical categories called slashtags since the day it launched.

TechCrunch

The Taiwanese have been identifying this narrow street (and its dozens of shops and stalls) with stinky tofu for many years.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

No suspects have been identified.

The New York Times

Few have been identified.

The New York Times - Health

None have been identified.

The New York Times

No remains have been identified.

The New York Times

No bodies have been identified.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been identifying", ensure the context clearly indicates the ongoing nature of the identification process. For example, "Researchers have been identifying new species in the Amazon rainforest for the past decade" emphasizes the continuous effort.

Common error

Avoid using "have been identifying" when the action is completed and no longer ongoing. Instead, use "identified". For example, instead of "They have been identifying the problem", use "They identified the problem" if the identification is complete.

Linguistic Context

The verb phrase "have been identifying" functions as the present perfect progressive tense of the verb "identify". This indicates an action that started in the past and is still continuing, often with an emphasis on the duration or ongoing nature of the process. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Unknown/unmatched sources

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been identifying" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe an ongoing process of discovery or recognition that began in the past and continues into the present. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the ongoing nature of the action and avoid using it when the action is completed. Alternatives like "have been recognizing" or "have been detecting" may be suitable depending on the nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been recognizing

Focuses more on acknowledging something that already exists, rather than actively discovering it.

have been detecting

Implies finding something that is hidden or difficult to notice.

have been pinpointing

Suggests identifying something with great precision.

have been discovering

Emphasizes the finding of something new or previously unknown.

have been ascertaining

Indicates establishing something with certainty after investigation.

have been determining

Highlights the process of making a decision or calculation about something.

have been diagnosing

Specifically refers to identifying a disease or problem.

have been figuring out

Suggests a more informal and investigative approach to understanding something.

have been classifying

Involves organizing items into categories after identifying their characteristics.

have been cataloging

Implies creating a detailed list of items that have been identified.

FAQs

How do I use "have been identifying" in a sentence?

Use "have been identifying" to describe an ongoing process of discovering or recognizing something over a period of time. For example: "Scientists "have been identifying" new genes related to the disease for several years".

What's the difference between "have been identifying" and "identified"?

"Have been identifying" indicates an ongoing process, while "identified" suggests a completed action. "Researchers "have been identifying" key factors" implies the process is still underway. "Researchers identified key factors" means the process is finished.

What can I say instead of "have been identifying"?

You can use alternatives such as "have been recognizing", "have been detecting", or "have been pinpointing" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "are identifying" instead of "have been identifying"?

While "are identifying" can be grammatically correct, it usually refers to an action happening at the present moment, not an ongoing process that started in the past. "Have been identifying" emphasizes the duration and continuity of the action.