identify something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "identify something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to recognize or determine a specific item, concept, or issue. Example: "In order to solve the problem, we first need to identify something that is causing the error."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"You have to be able to identify something that's breaking," he said not long ago.

The New Yorker

People would say slogans to identify themselves, or identify something they liked.

The New York Times

Tony peers over her shoulder to try to identify something he wants to eat for supper.

The Guardian

"How do you actually identify something nobody has ever seen before?" wrote Knox in a University of Aberdeen magazine.

The Guardian

Design for Change is a toolkit that challenges kids to identify something that worries them, and to find a solution.

The New York Times - Arts

When I asked Le Pen to identify something from her childhood that formed her, she said, "20 kilos of dynamite".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

In The Possibility of an Island, the French writer Michel Houellebecq, identifies something shameful about such a state.

The Guardian - Opinion

When Misogynies was published in 1989, I believed I had identified something that was on the way out.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'd argue not, at least not if identifying something as a design project will improve the outcome.

The New York Times - Arts

That did make me think, because they identified something about me that is true - I do like working with other people.

The Guardian - Money

It's like watching the playground bullies beat up the wimpy kid, but Bartlett identifies something true about all of us: nobody likes a loser.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "identify something" in your writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject should be identifying. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "identify something" without specifying what the 'something' is. Vague references can confuse readers. Instead of saying "they need to identify something", be specific: "they need to identify a solution to the problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identify something" functions as a verb phrase where 'identify' is the verb and 'something' serves as the direct object. Ludwig provides several examples where this phrase is used to indicate the action of recognizing or pinpointing a specific item, concept, or issue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

26%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "identify something" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that encourages the recognition or determination of a specific item or issue. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, with a neutral formality suitable for various writing styles. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to specify the 'something' being identified, avoiding vagueness. Consider alternatives like "recognize an item" or "determine a thing" for nuanced expression. This guidance aims to help writers use "identify something" effectively and avoid common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recognize an item

Focuses on the recognition aspect, implying familiarity or previous knowledge.

determine a thing

Emphasizes the act of figuring out or establishing what something is.

pinpoint a detail

Emphasizes precision in identifying a specific and often small element.

observe a feature

Highlights the act of noticing and noting a specific characteristic or attribute.

spot an object

Highlights the visual aspect of noticing or singling out something.

ascertain a detail

Focuses on establishing a fact with certainty, often through investigation.

detect a problem

Specifically refers to finding or becoming aware of an issue or difficulty.

discern a pattern

Implies identifying a recurring arrangement or trend that may not be immediately obvious.

uncover a fact

Implies revealing or discovering information that was previously hidden or unknown.

diagnose an issue

Suggests a more formal or technical process of identifying a problem, often in a medical or technical context.

FAQs

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

You can use "identify something" when you want someone to recognize or determine a specific item, concept, or issue. For example, "In order to solve the problem, we first need to "identify something" that is causing the error".

What phrases can I use instead of "identify something"?

Alternatives to "identify something" include "recognize an issue", "determine a factor", or "spot a problem", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "identify something" or "find something"?

The choice between "identify something" and "find something" depends on the context. "Identify something" implies recognizing or determining what something is, while "find something" suggests locating something that is missing or hidden. Therefore, "identify something" is more appropriate when recognizing an attribute or element.

What's the difference between "identify something" and "define something"?

"Identify something" means to recognize or point out a particular item or issue, while "define something" means to explain its meaning or nature. If you can "identify something", it still does not mean you know what it means. To know that, you need to define it.