identify as

USAGE SUMMARY

"identify as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone or something belongs to a particular group, or to state their gender or sexual identity. For example, "She identifies as queer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"I don't identify as white".

The New Yorker

"I identify as queer.

The Guardian

Many identify as heterosexual.

The Guardian - Opinion

They identify as straight.

Huffington Post

Do you identify as "ex-Muslim"?

Huffington Post

In reality, I identify as queer".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Granite doesn't self-identify as igneous.

The Guardian - Books

Suspect identified as Sunil Tripathi".

The New York Times - Magazine

Perlstein identifies as transgender.

The Guardian - Music

Four were identified as elderly tribal leaders.

The New Yorker

In it, Younger identified as orthorexic.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "identify as" to promote inclusivity in writing. Ensure your language is sensitive to diverse identities and self-perceptions.

Common error

Avoid using "identify as" to make assumptions about someone's background or behavior. Base your language on respect for self-identification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identify as" functions as a verb phrase used to express self-identification with a particular group, characteristic, or identity. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Social Media

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "identify as" is a versatile and commonly used expression for describing self-perceived identities and affiliations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. When using "identify as", it's crucial to prioritize respect and accuracy in reflecting an individual's self-identification. Alternatives like "perceive oneself as" or "regard oneself as" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey. Be mindful of potential misuse, such as imposing labels or making assumptions, and ensure your language is sensitive and inclusive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-identify as

Adds emphasis on the act of identifying from one's own perspective.

perceive oneself as

Focuses on self-perception rather than outward identification.

see oneself as

Focuses on internal view rather than the external label.

consider oneself to be

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

define oneself as

Suggests a conscious effort to establish one's identity.

regard oneself as

Implies a more thoughtful or deliberate self-assessment.

associate oneself with

Highlights a connection or affiliation with a group or characteristic.

characterize oneself as

Implies a more formal or descriptive approach to self-identification.

label oneself as

Highlights the act of applying a label to one's own identity.

present oneself as

Focuses on how one chooses to be perceived by others.

FAQs

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

Use "identify as" to describe how someone perceives their own identity, such as "I "identify as queer"" or "They "identify as non-binary"".

What are some alternatives to "identify as"?

Alternatives include "consider oneself to be", "regard oneself as", or "perceive oneself as", depending on the context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to ask someone how they "identify as"?

It can be appropriate if done respectfully and with genuine interest in understanding their self-perception, but always prioritize respecting their privacy and boundaries.

What is the difference between "identify as" and "is" when discussing identity?

"Identify as" emphasizes self-perception and personal choice, while "is" can imply an objective or externally imposed label. Using "identify as" is often more respectful when discussing sensitive topics.