identified

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "identified" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone or something is recognized or distinguished from others. Example: The police identified the suspect using security footage.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If we had, current procedures would have identified concerns from the outset as this involved potentially identifiable and sensitive information".

The Guardian

Referred to in court as D, she entered a not guilty plea to a charge of intimidation last week while wearing a niqab after the judge backed down from a previous decision that she would have to show her face to be properly identified.

The Guardian

The official, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue, said photographs from North Korea showing a rocket launched from the sea appeared to be authentic.

The Guardian

In all, 45 charges relate to one child, who cannot be identified for legal reasons and is known as "A", and four against a second girl, referred to as "B".

BBC

But Cooper said that the government has only accepted 140 Syrian refugees via the UN high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR) which has identified the most vulnerable.

The Guardian

He has since been identified as a 22-year-old called Daniele - investigators have not released his surname - who, until recently, worked in a nearby factory.

The Guardian

They were identified by Cooper as "mature status quo" and "hardpressed unionists".

The Guardian

The recipient of the letter has not been identified.

The Guardian

The schools becoming academies were far from random ("outstanding" institutions enjoyed special freedoms to convert; failing schools were sometimes forced), so the department proposed, and identified funds for, a systematic evaluation.

The Guardian

At the heart of the concrete and brick labyrinth of Milton Keynes, hard by Midsummer Boulevard, a certified national treasure has been identified.

The Guardian - Arts

It argues that journalists' communications are inadequately safeguarded under Ripa because their sources may be identified from the data collected by the intelligence agencies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "identified", ensure the subject doing the identifying is clear. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid consistently using "identified" in passive constructions (e.g., "It was identified that..."). Active voice often provides a more direct and engaging tone. Instead, try structuring the sentence to emphasize who or what did the identifying.

Linguistic Context

The term "identified" primarily functions as a past participle of the verb "identify". As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies recognizing or distinguishing something. Examples from Ludwig show its use in news and media contexts, indicating a formal recognition process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "identified" is a versatile past participle used to indicate that something has been recognized or determined, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, the term carries a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. When writing, ensure the subject doing the identifying is clear to avoid ambiguity. While grammatically correct, avoid overuse in passive constructions for a more engaging and direct tone. Alternatives include "recognized", "detected" and "determined" each with slightly different connotations. "Identified" serves as a cornerstone in clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determined

Emphasizes a conclusive decision or finding after consideration or investigation.

recognized

Suggests a more general or intuitive acknowledgement, as opposed to a formal or investigative determination.

ascertained

Highlights the process of finding something out for certain, often through inquiry or investigation.

established

Focuses on the act of proving or demonstrating something to be true or factual.

detected

Implies the discovery of something not immediately obvious, often through careful observation or technology.

figured out

Suggests solving a puzzle or understanding something complex through reasoning.

pinpointed

Suggests locating something precisely, often in a physical or abstract space.

labeled

Indicates the assignment of a descriptive term or category.

diagnosed

Specifically refers to the identification of a disease or problem through examination.

unearthed

Implies uncovering something hidden or forgotten.

FAQs

How is "identified" used in a sentence?

"Identified" typically functions as the past participle of the verb "identify", indicating that something has been recognized or determined. For example, "The suspect was "identified" by witnesses".

What are synonyms for "identified"?

Alternatives for "identified" include "recognized", "detected", "determined", and "ascertained". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "identified as" or "identified to be"?

"Identified as" is generally preferred and more concise. "Identified to be" is grammatically correct but can sound overly formal or stilted. Choose the option that best fits the tone and style of your writing.

What is the difference between "identified" and "recognized"?

While both words suggest acknowledgement, "recognized" often implies a more immediate or intuitive understanding, whereas "identified" suggests a more formal or investigative process. For instance, you might "recognized" a friend on the street, but a detective "identified" the body at the morgue.