identify for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "identify for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to specify or point out something for a particular purpose or context. Example: "Please identify for me the key issues we need to address in the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Indeed, Wagner drew upon Harry – a classic antihero with whom we are never intended to completely identify – for inspiration.

The Guardian - Film

Aquatest should help prevent disease by allowing local people to identify for themselves when water supplies are faecally contaminated.

The Guardian

"I don't know that there's any substantive difference that I would identify for you".

The New York Times

The music is shaping a new identify for Egyptian youth, of defiance and commitment to change.

The New York Times

They identify for us actual records we can seek in other repositories.

The New York Times

These leaders will be difficult to identify for people in Raqqa or elsewhere in Islamic State.

Independent

These were the people Alfred Nobel wanted to identify for celebration and, even more important, emulation.

The New York Times

He said that while some lawmakers opposed the new rules on principle, others -- whom he refused to identify for publication -- did so to settle old scores.

The New York Times

"We want to see them do a better job of apprehending Taliban persons who we might be able to identify for them".

The New York Times

It's a mix of money you can clearly identify – for example, cost per immunisation – and money you can't – such as HIV prevention budgets," he says.

The Guardian

"France" or "Denmark" is a concept with which men and women can identify, for good and ill, and on whose behalf prejudices and fears may be mobilized.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "identify for", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose or beneficiary of the identification. For example, "identify the risk factors for early intervention" is clearer than simply "identify the risk factors".

Common error

Avoid using "identify for" in sentences where the purpose is already implied or obvious. Redundant usage can make your writing sound verbose. Instead of "identify the cause for analysis", consider simply "identify the cause".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identify for" functions as a verb phrase that highlights the act of specifying or recognizing something with a particular purpose or intended audience in mind. As shown by Ludwig, its use indicates a directed effort to pinpoint information relevant to a specific need or context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "identify for" is a versatile construction employed to specify the purpose or intended recipient of an identification process. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "determine for" and "specify for" exist, "identify for" distinguishes itself by explicitly highlighting the reason or person for whom the identification is relevant. It's most effective when used to provide clarity and focus, but should be avoided in contexts where the purpose is already implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determine for

Replaces "identify" with "determine", focusing on the act of finding something out.

specify for

Emphasizes the act of clearly stating something for a particular purpose.

define for

Highlights the act of giving a precise meaning for a specific reason.

detect for

Suggests discovering something for a particular reason or application.

pinpoint for

Focuses on locating something precisely for a specific purpose.

establish for

Implies setting up or proving something for a defined reason.

ascertain for

Highlights the act of finding something out for certain, for a given purpose.

recognize for

Focuses on acknowledging or noticing something for a specific reason.

diagnose for

Implies identifying a condition or problem for a particular reason or treatment.

clarify for

Emphasizes making something clear or understandable for a particular audience or purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "identify for" in a sentence?

Use "identify for" to specify the purpose or beneficiary of an identification. For example, "Researchers aim to "identify for" whom the treatment is most effective" clarifies the goal of the identification.

What are some alternatives to "identify for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "determine for", "specify for", or "define for" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is it always necessary to include "for" after "identify"?

No, the inclusion of "for" depends on whether you need to explicitly state the purpose or beneficiary of the identification. If it's clear from the context, you can omit "for". However, using ""identify for"" often adds clarity.

What's the difference between "identify for" and "identify"?

"Identify" means to recognize or point out something, while ""identify for"" specifies the reason or person for whom the identification is being made. The addition of "for" provides a more focused context.