identify with

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "identify with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express agreement with or understanding of a certain emotion or experience. For example, "I can really identify with your frustration over the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They identify with it.

The New York Times

"They identify with us.

The New York Times

They identify with me.

The New York Times - Magazine

"To identify with our people".

The New York Times

Do you identify with that?

Independent

Characters you can identify with.

Independent

The papers identify with power.

The New Yorker

Does he identify with Nick?

The New Yorker

I identify with the building.

The New Yorker

"I identify with whales.

The New York Times

Kids identify with that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "identify with" to express a deep connection or understanding of a person, idea, or situation. It implies more than just recognizing; it suggests a shared sense of self or experience.

Common error

Avoid using "identify with" when you simply mean to acknowledge or recognize something. The phrase carries a stronger connotation of shared feeling or experience. Instead, use verbs like "recognize", "acknowledge", or "understand" for simple recognition.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "identify with" primarily functions as a linking verb, connecting a subject to a feeling of understanding or connection. It describes a subjective alignment, as evidenced by Ludwig, where users express their ability to relate to characters, philosophies, or even objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "identify with" is a versatile phrasal verb used to express a sense of connection, understanding, or shared experience. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "relate to" or "empathize with" exist, "identify with" carries a unique connotation of shared identity or experience. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a deeper connection rather than mere recognition. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles, enhancing clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relate to

Focuses on a sense of connection or understanding based on shared experiences or feelings.

empathize with

Emphasizes the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

feel for

Suggests a sense of sympathy or compassion towards someone or something.

sympathize with

Highlights a shared feeling or agreement with someone's situation or beliefs.

connect with

Implies a sense of establishing a meaningful relationship or understanding.

find common ground with

Suggests discovering shared interests or beliefs with someone.

see eye to eye with

Emphasizes agreement or shared understanding.

understand where someone is coming from

Focuses on comprehending someone's perspective or motivations.

recognize oneself in

Highlights a mirroring of one's own qualities or experiences in another.

resonate with

Indicates a feeling of emotional or intellectual agreement or connection.

FAQs

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

You can use "identify with" to express a feeling of connection or understanding. For example, "I can "really identify with" the character's struggles because I've experienced similar challenges".

What are some alternatives to "identify with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "relate to", "empathize with", or "connect with" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "I identify to" instead of "I identify with"?

No, the correct phrasing is "I identify with". The preposition "with" is essential when using "identify" to express a feeling of connection or understanding.

What's the difference between "identify with" and "sympathize with"?

"Identify with" implies a deeper connection based on shared experiences or characteristics, while "sympathize with" suggests feeling compassion or understanding for someone's situation without necessarily having the same experiences.