identify themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "identify themselves" is correct and is often used in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to someone's recognition or declaration of one's identity or affiliation. For example: "The members of the team had to identify themselves before the match began."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Several identify themselves as libertarians.

The New York Times

We've asked them to identify themselves.

Independent

"They can identify themselves through us.

Independent

When asked, they declined to identify themselves.

The New York Times

All Araucanians now identify themselves as Mapuche.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Most people here identify themselves as Taliban".

The New York Times

How do the letter writers identify themselves?

The New York Times

They did not identify themselves as journalists.

The New York Times

They didn't identify themselves at all.

The Guardian

Only 22 percent identify themselves as pro-choice.

The New York Times

I'm interested in how little children identify themselves by gender.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, ensure that individuals or groups clearly "identify themselves" to establish credibility and context.

Common error

Avoid using "identify themselves" when the subject is not performing the action on themselves. For example, it's incorrect to say 'The officer identified themselves' if the officer is identifying someone else.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identify themselves" functions as a reflexive verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it signifies the act of individuals or entities making their identities known. This can involve stating their names, affiliations, or other defining characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "identify themselves" is a frequently used and grammatically sound reflexive verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed across diverse contexts, primarily in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. Its primary function is to denote the act of individuals or groups making their identities known, fostering clarity and accountability. While generally neutral in register, its suitability depends on context rather than inherent formality. Remember to use the correct reflexive pronoun and avoid misusing the phrase when the subject isn't acting upon themselves. By following these guidelines, you'll effectively and accurately employ "identify themselves" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make their identities known

Focuses on the result of the action, that their identities are now known.

state their identities

Focuses on the act of declaring one's identity explicitly.

present themselves as

Focuses on the image or persona they project.

declare their affiliation

Emphasizes the association with a group or cause.

proclaim who they are

Highlights a more assertive or public declaration of identity.

designate themselves as

Suggests a formal or self-appointed designation.

reveal their true selves

Suggests a deeper, more personal disclosure of identity.

come forward as

Implies a public and potentially challenging disclosure of identity.

profess to be

Highlights a formal or official declaration of identity or belief.

name themselves

Emphasizes the act of giving or choosing a specific name.

FAQs

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

Use "identify themselves" when referring to a group or individuals revealing or declaring their own identity. For instance, "All participants must "identify themselves" upon entering the premises".

What does it mean when someone "identifies themselves"?

It means that they are making their identity known, either by stating who they are, what group they belong to, or what their beliefs are.

Is it correct to say "identifies themselves"?

No, the correct form is "identify themselves" when referring to a plural subject or using a pronoun like 'they'. Use "identifies himself/herself" for singular subjects.

Are there formal alternatives to "identify themselves"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "state their identities" or "declare their affiliation", depending on the specific context.