identifies as

USAGE SUMMARY

"identifies as" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used when talking about someone's self-perception or self-identification in terms of their gender, ethnicity, or other personal qualities. Example: She identifies as a feminist and is dedicated to fighting for gender equality.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Martin was black, while Zimmerman identifies as Hispanic.

The Guardian

About one- third of the city identifies as Hispanic.

The Guardian

Martin was black, and Zimmerman identifies as Hispanic.

The Guardian

Becca Scott is 23 and identifies as queer.

Vice

Roughly 2% of City College students identifies as Hispanic.

Wikipedia

Perlstein identifies as transgender.

The Guardian - Music

Bautista identifies as "Afro-Latinx".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

She self-identifies as an "artist".

Huffington Post

Baron now self-identifies as an artist.

Huffington Post

Nobody self-identifies as a chav.

Vice

It's rare that a victim self-identifies as trafficked.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about groups, ensure that the term used for identification is one that the group commonly uses for themselves.

Common error

Avoid using "identifies as" when the identity is an objective, verifiable fact (e.g., nationality by birth). "Identifies as" is most appropriate when referring to self-perceived or chosen identities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identifies as" functions as a verb phrase indicating self-identification. It is commonly used to describe how an individual perceives and defines their own identity, particularly in terms of gender, ethnicity, or beliefs. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "identifies as" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe an individual's self-defined identity. It is particularly prevalent in news and media, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples. The phrase is generally neutral in register and serves the purpose of conveying respect for personal perspectives. Remember to use "identifies as" when referring to self-declared identities, avoiding its use for objective facts. While alternative phrases like "self-identifies as" and "considers oneself to be" exist, "identifies as" is direct and widely accepted, according to Ludwig's AI analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-identifies as

Emphasizes the act of personally defining oneself; includes the reflexive pronoun "self-".

considers oneself to be

Highlights a personal assessment or belief about one's identity.

perceives oneself as

Focuses on the internal view or understanding of one's own identity.

defines oneself as

Highlights the act of establishing a specific definition for one's identity.

views oneself as

Focuses on a personal perspective or viewpoint regarding one's identity.

characterizes oneself as

Emphasizes the act of assigning specific qualities or traits to one's identity.

regards oneself as

Implies a considered judgment or evaluation of one's own identity.

labels oneself as

Highlights the act of using a specific term or category to describe oneself.

sees oneself as

Focuses on a subjective or personal image of one's own identity.

claims to be

Suggests a declaration or assertion of one's identity, which may or may not be universally accepted.

FAQs

How do I use "identifies as" in a sentence?

Use "identifies as" to describe how someone defines themselves, particularly in relation to gender, ethnicity, or beliefs. For example: "She "identifies as" a non-binary person."

What are some alternatives to "identifies as"?

You can use alternatives like "self-identifies as", "considers oneself to be", or "defines oneself as" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "identifies as" when referring to someone's race or ethnicity?

Yes, it's appropriate when someone is expressing their self-identified race or ethnicity, especially if it differs from what might be assumed based on appearance or other factors. For instance: "He "identifies as" Afro-Latino."

What's the difference between "identifies as" and "is" when talking about identity?

"Identifies as" emphasizes self-perception and personal definition, while "is" implies an objective or externally defined characteristic. Use ""identifies as"" to respect an individual's self-declared identity.