identified it as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "identified it as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to specify or clarify what something has been recognized or categorized as. Example: "The researchers identified it as a new species of butterfly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The interviewee may have not mentioned the item or identified it as important.

International Journal of STEM Education

He just identified it as, "Well that's where I wrote the song".

Huffington Post

Tymoshenko's government launched an anti corruption campaign and identified it as one of its priorities.

Wikipedia

The office gardener identified it as a gloxinia, and gave instructions for its care.

The New Yorker

But only its sunken eye-sockets and internal organs identified it as that of a human.

The Guardian

Tony promptly identified it as a kittiwake.

The Guardian

Gibb incorrectly identified it as a preposition.

The Guardian

Investigators identified it as the gym at al-Quds mosque.

The Guardian

It created an oddly pleasant tingling in the mouth; I later identified it as Sichuan pepper.

The New York Times

He identified it as a first folio very quickly," said Cordonnier.

The Guardian

Herpetologists at the Charles Darwin Foundation identified it as a false coral snake.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "identified it as" when you want to clearly state how something has been recognized or categorized after an observation or investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "identified it as" when the identification is obvious or lacks specific context. Instead, choose a simpler verb like "is" or "was" to maintain clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identified it as" serves as a predicate nominative, linking a subject to a noun phrase that renames or classifies it. Ludwig shows examples where the phrase clarifies the nature or category of a previously unspecified object or concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

23%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "identified it as" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to categorize or classify something based on observation or analysis. Ludwig's analysis shows it is most frequently used in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. The phrase functions as a predicate nominative, providing clarity and definition, and has a neutral to formal register. While there are alternative phrases like "recognized it as" or "classified it as", the best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. Avoid using the phrase in vague or overly obvious contexts to maintain conciseness. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is a clear and effective way to specify the nature of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Recognized it as

Uses a different verb with a similar meaning.

Classified it as

Emphasizes categorization rather than simple identification.

Determined it to be

More formal and emphasizes a process of investigation.

Designated it as

Suggests an official or formal assignment of a category.

Ascertained it as

Highlights the process of finding something out for certain.

Diagnosed it as

Implies a medical or technical context of identifying a condition.

Labeled it as

Focuses on the act of assigning a specific label.

Pinpointed it as

Suggests finding something precisely.

Interpreted it as

Highlights a subjective understanding or explanation.

Understood it to be

Emphasizes comprehension or a particular viewpoint.

FAQs

How to use "identified it as" in a sentence?

Use "identified it as" when you want to specify the category, type, or nature of something after examining it. For example, "The botanist "identified it as" a rare species of orchid".

What can I say instead of "identified it as"?

You can use alternatives like "recognized it as", "classified it as", or "determined it to be" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative offers a slightly different emphasis on the nature of the identification.

What's the difference between "identified it as" and "described it as"?

"Identified it as" implies a definitive categorization based on specific criteria, while "described it as" suggests a more subjective or general characterization. The former is more precise, the latter more interpretive.

Which is correct, "identified it as" or "identified it to be"?

"Identified it as" is the more common and grammatically sound choice. "Identified it to be" is less frequently used and can sound awkward in most contexts. Sticking with "as" maintains clarity and conciseness.