his identity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "his identity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the characteristics, qualities, or beliefs that make a person who they are. Example: "The detective worked tirelessly to uncover his identity, which had been hidden for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Vodaphone disclosed his identity.

Independent

His identity has been stolen.

The Economist

I cannot verify his identity.

The Guardian

You're taking his identity away".

The New Yorker

It defines his identity as an artist.

Independent

Then he took off, his identity unknown.

The New York Times

However, the authorities worked out his identity.

Independent

Finally, he had found his identity.

Independent

Did people accept his "identity" on trust?

The New York Times

That modest recipe gave him his identity.

The New Yorker

In many quarters his identity remained unknown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "his identity" when referring to characteristics or beliefs that define who someone is, avoiding overuse by varying with related terms like "persona", "character", or "individuality" for nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "his identity" when a more specific term like "his name", "his role", or "his background" would be more precise. "His identity" is broad; ensure it reflects the complexities of who he is, not just a single aspect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "his identity" functions as a noun phrase acting as a direct object, subject complement, or within prepositional phrases. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

15%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "his identity" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe the characteristics and beliefs that define who someone is. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used in various contexts, especially in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for broad audiences. When writing, it is important to consider whether "his identity" accurately reflects the complexity intended or whether a more specific term like "his character" or "his role" would be more appropriate to improve the clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

who he is

Emphasizes the complete essence and nature of the person.

his true self

Focuses on the genuine and authentic aspects of his personality.

his character

Highlights the moral and ethical qualities that define him.

his persona

Refers to the image or facade he presents to others.

his individuality

Stresses the unique qualities that distinguish him from others.

his designation

More formal; refers to his official title or role.

his traits

Focuses on specific attributes or characteristics.

his role

Emphasizes the part he plays in a particular context.

his public image

Focuses on how he is perceived by the public.

his selfhood

Highlights his state of being an individual.

FAQs

How can I use "his identity" in a sentence?

You can use "his identity" to describe the characteristics, beliefs, personality, look and expressions that make someone who they are. For example, "The detective worked tirelessly to uncover "his identity", which had been hidden for years".

What phrases can I use instead of "his identity"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "his persona", "his character", "his true self", or "his individuality".

When is it appropriate to use "his identity" versus "his name"?

"His identity" is broader than "his name". Use "his name" when you specifically refer to what he is called. Use "his identity" when referring to the collection of traits, beliefs, and characteristics that define who he is.

What does it mean to say someone is 'redefining "his identity"'?

To redefine "his identity" means to change or reshape the way he sees himself or the way others perceive him. It suggests a significant shift in his values, beliefs, or behaviors.