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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
identify doing
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "identify doing" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to the act of recognizing or determining an action, but it lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. Example: "In order to improve our processes, we need to identify doing the tasks that are most time-consuming."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
University of California, Berkeley
The New York Times - Arts
Huffington Post
Independent
The Guardian - Sport
BBC
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Wiki
The Guardian
Harvard Business Review
Stanford University
The New York Times - Sports
The New Yorker
The Guardian - Books
The Guardian - Opinion
The Guardian - TV & Radio
The Guardian - Film
The New York Times - Film
The New York Times
The New York Times - Region
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
If we assume that every intentional action is done for a reason, and that this reason can be cast in teleological form, we can identify doing A intentionally with doing A in order to do something else.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
In short, the three personas we've identified do not represent fixed or absolute qualities.
I can identify tap done by a black person.
News & Media
NO MATTER how you identify, or don't identify".
News & Media
What are we, as queer identified people, doing about it?
News & Media
"I do identify with them," he states.
News & Media
They all did identify that gentleman".
News & Media
On reflection, he did identify one culprit.
News & Media
The girls did identify three guys".
News & Media
I do identify with this town".
News & Media
Several non-Australian publications did identify him.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the phrase "identify doing" in formal writing. Instead, use clearer alternatives such as "identify the action" or "determine the activity" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.
Common error
A common mistake is using "identify doing" when a gerund or infinitive is needed. To correct this, replace it with a noun or a more precise verb phrase that accurately describes the intended action.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
2.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "identify doing" functions incorrectly as it attempts to directly link a transitive verb ("identify") with a gerund ("doing") without proper grammatical structure. Ludwig AI indicates that it is not correct. A more appropriate construction would involve a noun phrase.
Frequent in
News & Media
20%
Academia
20%
Science
15%
Less common in
Wiki
10%
Formal & Business
10%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "identify doing" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in both formal and informal writing. As Ludwig AI points out, the construction is flawed and lacks clarity. Instead, use clearer alternatives like "identify the action" or "determine the activity". While the phrase appears across various sources, its incorrect usage undermines effective communication. Therefore, opting for grammatically sound alternatives is crucial for maintaining clarity and credibility in writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Identify the action
Focuses on recognizing the specific action being performed.
Determine the activity
Emphasizes the process of finding out or establishing what the activity is.
Recognize the task
Highlights the acknowledgment and understanding of a particular task.
Specify the process
Focuses on clearly defining or detailing a particular process.
Pinpoint the operation
Suggests identifying a specific operation with precision.
Ascertain the deed
Emphasizes finding out or making sure of a particular deed or action.
Establish the undertaking
Focuses on setting up or demonstrating a commitment to a specific undertaking.
Clarify the procedure
Highlights the act of making a procedure or process clear and understandable.
Define the endeavor
Emphasizes the act of setting out the meaning or scope of an endeavor.
Detect the act
Focuses on discovering or noticing a particular act or action.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "identify doing" to be grammatically correct?
To correct the phrase "identify doing", consider using alternatives like "identify the action", "determine the activity", or "recognize the task", depending on the intended meaning.
What is a common mistake when using the word "identify"?
A frequent error is using "identify" followed directly by a gerund (doing) when a noun or a more specific verb phrase is required for grammatical accuracy.
Is "identify doing" considered formal or informal language?
The phrase "identify doing" is generally considered incorrect in both formal and informal contexts. It's best to opt for clearer and grammatically sound alternatives.
What are some situations where I might need to "identify" something related to an action?
You might need to identify the cause of an action, the steps in a process, or the person responsible for an action. In such cases, ensure the phrase you use is grammatically correct and clear, avoiding constructions like "identify doing".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
2.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested