identify yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'identify yourself' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to explain who they are, particularly if their identity is in question. For example, "Officer, identify yourself!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Please identify yourself.

The Guardian

Yes, please identify yourself.

Cornell University

"You identify yourself when you're interviewing somebody," Mr. Alter added.

The New York Times

But you needn't identify yourself by your lowest moment.

The Guardian

You identify yourself willingly to lots of internet services.

The Guardian - Tech

I'm asking how you, how you would identify yourself".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Honestly, it wasn't hip to identify yourself by religion.

The New York Times - Arts

REMNICK: And how do you identify yourself politically now?

The New Yorker

Don't use your mother's maiden name to identify yourself to credit card companies.

The New York Times

You identify yourself by race or gender or religion – and region to some extent.

The Guardian - Books

You have to identify yourself as a debt collector and why you're calling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "identify yourself" in writing, consider the context and adjust the tone accordingly. In formal settings, it's appropriate as is. In informal settings, consider alternatives like "who are you?".

Common error

Avoid using "identify yourself" in casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or even aggressive. Opt for simpler alternatives like "who are you?" or "what's your name?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identify yourself" functions as an imperative, directly instructing someone to reveal their identity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, as evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

27%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "identify yourself" is a grammatically sound and commonly used imperative, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves the direct purpose of requesting someone to state their identity, frequently appearing in news, academic, and formal business contexts. While generally neutral to formal in register, it's crucial to consider the setting to avoid sounding overly demanding. Alternatives like "state your name" or "who are you" can be more appropriate depending on the situation. Remember to use "identify yourself" with consideration for the context and audience to ensure clear and respectful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state your name

More direct and formal than "identify yourself".

who are you

A more direct and less formal way of asking someone to identify themselves.

can you tell me who you are

A more polite and less demanding way to ask for identification.

please, tell me your name

Polite way to ask for someone's name.

what's your name

A casual way of asking someone their name.

introduce yourself

Implies a more general introduction rather than just stating a name.

may I ask who's calling

Used when answering a phone.

give your credentials

Focuses on providing proof of identity or qualifications.

present your identification

Requests a physical form of identification.

name, rank, and serial number

Military context, implying a strict protocol for identification.

FAQs

How do I politely ask someone to "identify yourself"?

You can soften the request by saying "Could you please "tell me your name"?" or "Can you tell me who you are?".

When is it appropriate to use "identify yourself"?

It's appropriate in formal settings, when dealing with authority figures (like police), or when verifying someone's identity for security purposes.

What's a less formal way to say "identify yourself"?

Less formal alternatives include "who are you?", "what's your name?", or simply asking for their name.

Is "identify yourself" rude?

It can be perceived as rude if used in an informal setting or with someone you know. Context and tone are crucial. Using "please" can make it more polite.