i started identifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started identifying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the beginning of a process of recognizing or categorizing something, often in a personal or analytical context. Example: "I started identifying my strengths and weaknesses during the self-assessment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I got through my freshman year, I had a reasonable time during the summer, I entered into my sophomore year, I started identifying the things that were important to me that I want to be involved in.

Princeton University

A: I started identifying as a boy around the age of 4, and from that time on, dressed and carried myself as such.

Huffington Post

Once I started identifying as non-binary, I went through a pretty profound sex phase where I had drunken sex, public sex, OkCupid sex you name it and this was mostly with other non-binary people.

Vice

These clinicians thought of a population health management approach as an integral part of their work: ""I was working in England for four years and then returned to the Arrigorriaga unit [name of a Basque Health Services's PC unit] and when I came back, I started identifying needs in my practice setting.

BMC Family Practice

The first thing I asked was: Here, what resources do we have, what society, which associations?" (DG6) ""I was working in England for four years and then returned to the Arrigorriaga unit [name of a Basque Health Services's PC unit] and when I came back, I started identifying needs in my practice setting.

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I then started identifying with Buddha, left my wife and child and went over there.

The New York Times - Magazine

But by the end of high school I had started identifying as neither a man nor a woman but genderqueer, and he was one of my staunchest supporters.

HuffPost

I recently heard that by 15 months children have already started identifying differences in race.

Huffington Post

Julius started identifying with the black community.

The Guardian - Music

Soon after, she started identifying as asexual.

Vice

As I approach the end of my 20s, I feel like I should really start identifying myself as an adult.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started identifying" to mark a shift in your perspective or understanding of something.

Common error

Avoid using "I started identifying" when you mean "I started feeling". "Identifying" implies a cognitive process of recognition, while "feeling" refers to an emotional experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started identifying" functions as a statement of initiation in a cognitive or perceptual process. It indicates the beginning of recognizing, categorizing, or relating to something, aligning with Ludwig's examples of recognizing personal importance, gender identity, or needs in a practice setting.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I started identifying" is a versatile expression used to indicate the beginning of a process of recognition, categorization, or alignment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, from academic and scientific writing to news and personal narratives. While alternatives like "I began to identify" offer a more formal tone, the key is to ensure clarity in what you are starting to identify. Whether discussing personal growth or analytical insights, using "I started identifying" effectively marks a shift in understanding or perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to identify

A more formal alternative, using "began" instead of "started".

I commenced identifying

Highly formal, replaces "started" with "commenced".

I initiated identification

Focuses on the action of identification itself being initiated.

I grew to identify

Suggests a gradual process of identification.

I came to identify

Indicates an eventual realization or recognition.

I started to recognize

Shifts from active "identifying" to a more passive "recognizing".

I began recognizing

Combines the formality of "began" with the passivity of "recognizing".

My identification began

Changes the focus to the process of identification, rather than the subject.

I pinpointed

Focuses on precise identification and discovery.

I discerned

Implies a careful and insightful recognition.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I started identifying" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can use phrases like "I began to identify", "I commenced identifying", or "I initiated identification".

What's the difference between "I started identifying" and "I began to identify"?

While similar, "I started identifying" is slightly more informal. "I began to identify" suggests a more deliberate or gradual process.

Is it correct to say "I started identifying with"?

Yes, it's correct. "I started identifying with" indicates that you began to feel a sense of connection or shared experience with someone or something. For example: "I started identifying with the characters in the novel."

What are some alternatives to "I started identifying with"?

Alternatives include "I began to relate to", "I started to feel empathy for", or "I developed a connection with" depending on the specific context.