identifying it as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "identifying it as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to identify something, or when you want to clarify what something is. For example: She carefully studied the strange object, identifying it as an ancient artifact.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's sold not only by Delta but also by four other airlines, each identifying it as its own: Alaska Airlines, Alitalia, Korean Air and El Al.

The New York Times

It is not known how long the NSA can keep American phone and email communications in its databases after identifying it as unrelated to an ongoing threat.

The Guardian

In 1555, Olaus Magnus published a drawing of a fish-like creature with a horn on its forehead, correctly identifying it as a "Narwal".

Wikipedia

In vitro SUMO modification of the BRCA1 BARD1 heterodimer greatly increases its ligase activity, identifying it as a SUMO regulated ubiquitin ligase.

Breast Cancer Research

We're identifying it as an early collaborative play of Shakespeare's.

The Guardian

Even when you do see one, identifying it as it dashes by can be tricky.

Independent

"It has bold forms immediately identifying it as an important public place and the interiors have wonderful light".

The New York Times

While walking along East Broadway, I've seen a brick building with a brass sign identifying it as a "Ritualarium".

The New York Times

Small-scale studies were identifying it as a problem for some groups in some places more than a decade ago.

The New York Times - Science

Each has a single inconspicuous brick in front identifying it as a Young American house built in 1984-1985.

The Washington Post

Many Muslims argue that the racism we experience is so commonplace that we sometimes stop identifying it as such.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "identifying it as" to clearly define or categorize a subject, especially when precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "identifying it as" when a simpler, more direct verb like "is" or "represents" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identifying it as" functions as a verbal phrase used to assign a specific characteristic, category, or role to something. Ludwig AI shows its frequent use in academic and news contexts to clarify the nature of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

39%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "identifying it as" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to classify or define a subject. Ludwig AI indicates that it is particularly common in news, scientific, and academic writing. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure clarity and avoid overuse in situations where simpler language would suffice. Alternatives like "seeing it as" or "defining it as" can provide variety while maintaining precision. Overall, "identifying it as" serves as a useful tool for clear and specific communication across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeing it as

Focuses on a particular viewpoint or interpretation.

mentioning it as

Focuses on the act of referring to something briefly.

exploring it as

Suggests a more in-depth investigation or analysis.

examining it as

Implies a careful and detailed inspection.

discovering it as

Emphasizes the act of finding something previously unknown.

detecting it as

Implies identifying something that is not immediately obvious.

distinguishing it as

Highlights the act of differentiating something from others.

refining it as

Suggests improving or clarifying the understanding of something.

delineating it as

Focuses on defining or marking the boundaries of something.

incorporating it as

Emphasizes including something as part of a larger whole.

FAQs

How can I use "identifying it as" in a sentence?

Use "identifying it as" when you want to specify the nature, role, or category of something. For example, "The scientist was successful in identifying it as a new species of bacteria".

What are some alternatives to "identifying it as"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "seeing it as", "defining it as", or "recognizing it as".

Is it correct to say "identifying it like" instead of "identifying it as"?

No, "identifying it like" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is "identifying it as", which indicates the classification or recognition of something.

What is the difference between "describing it as" and "identifying it as"?

"Describing it as" involves providing details or characteristics, while "identifying it as" focuses on categorizing or assigning a specific identity to something.