identifying as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "identifying as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express one's self-identification with a particular identity, often related to gender, sexuality, or other social categories. Example: "She is identifying as non-binary and prefers they/them pronouns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

They want to get men identifying as feminists.

The Guardian

For some, identifying as a feminist can feel divisive.

The Guardian

The proportion of the population identifying as Christian is estimated at just under one-third.

The Guardian

Julie Jeske is a Portland-based counselor who works with couples identifying as poly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Around that time, Blanco spent two years identifying as trans and using female pronouns.

The Guardian - Music

Firstly, there's real no advantage to be gained from identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"I identify as queer.

The Guardian

Many identify as heterosexual.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I don't identify as white".

The New Yorker

They identify as straight.

Huffington Post

Most people identify as straight.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "identifying as", ensure that the context clearly indicates that the subject is self-identifying. Avoid ambiguity by specifying who is doing the identifying.

Common error

Avoid using "identifying as" when referring to external identification or labeling. This phrase should primarily describe self-identification. For external attribution, use "identified as" or "recognized as" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identifying as" functions as a verb phrase indicating self-identification with a particular group, characteristic, or label. According to Ludwig AI, it's a common and acceptable way to express how someone perceives and defines themselves. This usage aligns with examples found across various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "identifying as" is a common and grammatically correct way to express self-identification, particularly concerning gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or other social categories. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While it's important to ensure that the context clarifies that the subject is self-identifying and avoid misattributing identity, the phrase is versatile and widely understood. Alternatives such as "self-identifying as", "regarding oneself as", and "considering oneself to be" offer nuanced options for conveying similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-identifying as

Adds emphasis on the individual's active role in the identification process.

regarding oneself as

Emphasizes a personal perspective or internal assessment.

seeing oneself as

Focuses on the individual's self-perception or how they view themselves.

considering oneself to be

Highlights the act of thoughtfully evaluating and classifying oneself.

defining oneself as

Stresses the act of establishing a personal definition or identity.

classifying oneself as

Highlights a more formal or objective categorization.

recognizing oneself as

Emphasizes an acknowledgment or awareness of a particular identity.

presenting as

Focuses on outward appearance or the image conveyed to others.

portraying oneself as

Suggests a deliberate effort to create a specific impression.

labeling oneself as

Implies a more explicit and potentially limiting self-classification.

FAQs

What does "identifying as" mean?

The phrase "identifying as" refers to someone's self-declared association with a particular group, gender, sexual orientation, or other identity. It's about how someone perceives and defines themselves.

Is it better to say "identifying as" or "self-identifying as"?

Both "identifying as" and "self-identifying as" are correct. "Self-identifying as" emphasizes that the identification is a personal choice, but "identifying as" is often sufficient.

What are some alternatives to "identifying as"?

You can use alternatives like "regarding oneself as", "seeing oneself as", or "considering oneself to be" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "identified as" instead of "identifying as"?

Use "identified as" when someone else is assigning the identity. For example, "The suspect was identified as John Doe". Use "identifying as" when the person is self-declaring their identity, for example, "She is identifying as non-binary".