identify when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "identify when" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used as part of a question or instruction to ask for the specific time or moment when something occurred. Example: Can you please identify when you first noticed the issue with the machine?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's hard to identify when exactly the depression began.

The Guardian

It is hard to identify when a country is entering a downturn.

The Guardian - Opinion

In provocation trials, sufferers have been completely unable to identify when sources of EMR are present.

The Guardian

JPMorgan Chase said it is "working to proactively identify" when lenders misuse automatic withdrawals.

The New York Times

For Google, comScore can actually identify when ads from its AdSense network are loaded on a Web page.

The New York Times

Violence against women, children and young people is notoriously difficult to identify when it occurs in the family home.

The Guardian

More usefully some of the language of addiction can help parents identify when things are getting a bit much.

The Guardian - Tech

To identify when and how to contribute evidence, we need to understand the complicated environment in which policymaking takes place.

The Guardian

We'll show training films about the food, so you can identify when we're trying to poison you".

The New Yorker

It's also able to identify when product is priced incorrectly.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

How do you self-identify when someone asks "what are you?" Colombian.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "identify when" in your writing, ensure the context clearly defines what event or condition needs to be identified. For example, "Scientists must identify when the experiment reaches a critical threshold."

Common error

Avoid using "identify when" without a clear subject or context. For example, instead of saying "Identify when," specify what needs to be identified: "Identify when the system requires maintenance."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identify when" primarily functions as an introductory verb phrase that sets up a clause or question requiring the determination or recognition of a specific point in time. As shown by Ludwig, it’s grammatically correct and versatile.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "identify when" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to prompt the determination or recognition of a specific point in time. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a common phrase across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. When employing this phrase, clarity and context are paramount to ensure the reader understands what event or condition is being referred to. Alternatives such as "determine the timing of" or "pinpoint the moment" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Therefore, it is a useful phrase in many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determine the timing of

Focuses on the act of determining the specific time something occurs.

pinpoint the moment

Emphasizes locating a precise instant in time.

recognize the point at which

Highlights the recognition of a specific stage or condition.

ascertain the time

Focuses on finding out the exact time something happens.

establish the date and time

Highlights establishing both date and time of an event.

detect the instant

Emphasizes the detection of a specific moment.

find out when

A more direct and informal way to ask when something occurs.

discover the time frame

Focuses on uncovering the period in which something takes place.

assess the temporal occurrence

A more formal and technical way to describe assessing when something happened.

specify the date

Highlights specifying a particular date.

FAQs

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

Use "identify when" to specify the need to determine the timing of an event or condition. For example, "The goal is to "identify when" the software needs an update."

What are some alternative ways to say "identify when"?

You can use alternatives like "determine the timing of", "pinpoint the moment", or "recognize the point at which".

Is it grammatically correct to say "identify when"?

Yes, "identify when" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to inquire about or instruct the determination of a specific time or moment.

What's the difference between "identify when" and "determine when"?

While both phrases are similar, "identify when" implies a process of recognition, while "determine when" suggests a more active investigation or calculation to find the timing. The choice depends on the specific context.