identify whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "identify whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to identify, or to determine, which of two or more possibilities is true. For example, "Please identify whether the patient is suffering from a virus or a bacterial infection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Among her tips: identify whether the celebrities are extroverts or introverts, and treat them accordingly.

The New York Times

Pozzi warns against relying on Google images to identify whether plants are edible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The study aimed to identify whether the catchiest songs had similar characteristics.

The Guardian - Music

But they also identify whether the clients are divorced or widowed, and describe briefly why, if divorced, the marriage collapsed.

The New York Times

This cookie is used to identify whether the browser has loaded an advert and when and where it loaded it.

The Guardian - Tech

Miller is a proponent of including extra questions to help identify whether candidates are going to fit with the business.

The Guardian

Generally, she says, it takes her two to five minutes to identify whether a person has something to tell her.

The New York Times

But, it still helps to identify whether candidates are closer to or further from the center.

The New York Times

"I really want to identify whether it's a stress reducer or not".

The New York Times

· Identify whether ICU scoring systems predict outcome in our population.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

How can founders identify whether a VC really is interested in investing?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "identify whether" when you want to determine or establish the truth of a condition, choice, or possibility.

Common error

While "identify whether" is grammatically correct, avoid using it in contexts where a simpler phrase like "check if" or "see if" would suffice. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identify whether" functions as an introductory phrase to a subordinate clause expressing a condition, choice, or question. It sets up the need to determine the truth or validity of something. Examples from Ludwig show this usage in diverse contexts, such as determining the fit of candidates with a business or assessing the need for special care during delivery.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "identify whether" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce a condition or choice that requires determination. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for indicating the need to identify possibilities. While it appears across various contexts, it is particularly common in scientific and news-related writing. Alternative phrases like "determine if" or "ascertain whether" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context. When using "identify whether", ensure it adds value by indicating a genuine need to distinguish between options, and avoid overusing it where simpler alternatives would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determine if

Replaces "whether" with "if", slightly simplifying the phrasing.

ascertain whether

Uses a more formal verb, "ascertain", to convey the same meaning of finding something out.

establish whether

Focuses on confirming or proving a fact or condition.

discover if

Similar to "determine if", but suggests a process of finding something previously unknown.

figure out whether

More informal, implying a problem-solving approach to determining something.

check if

Suggests a quick verification process.

find out whether

Similar to "discover", but more general and less formal.

investigate whether

Implies a more thorough examination or inquiry.

analyze whether

Indicates a detailed examination to determine the truth or nature of something.

assess if

Focuses on evaluating the condition or state of something, using "if" instead of "whether".

FAQs

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

You can use "identify whether" to introduce a clause that expresses a condition or choice that needs to be determined. For example, "The study aims to "determine whether" preloading is a risk factor".

What are some alternatives to "identify whether"?

Some alternatives include "determine if", "ascertain whether", or "find out if", depending on the level of formality and the specific context.

Is it always necessary to use "whether" after "identify"?

While not strictly mandatory, using "whether" after "identify" is generally preferred for clarity, especially when there are two or more alternatives to consider. Using "identify if" is acceptable in some contexts, but less formal.

What is the difference between "identify whether" and "determine whether"?

"Identify whether" and "determine whether" are largely interchangeable. However, "identify whether" may imply a more direct or immediate recognition, while "determine whether" suggests a more thorough process of investigation or analysis.