identifying with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "identifying with" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a feeling of sympathy or understanding. For example, "I could really identify with her feelings of loneliness and isolation".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Identifying with symbols.

The Guardian - Opinion

Julius started identifying with the black community.

The Guardian - Music

As a woman I'm used to identifying with male characters.

The Guardian - Film

Williams admits that he can't help identifying with Becket.

The Guardian

"And Americans dream of thoroughbreds while identifying with mutts.

The Guardian - Film

I was identifying with it, holding on to it.

The New York Times - Magazine

We're talking about a complete breakdown of identifying with Europe.

The Guardian - Business

"Look at them," Feig said, clearly identifying with the crowd.

The New York Times - Magazine

But identifying with the author was a different matter.

The New Yorker

"I was identifying with that kid to that extent".

The New York Times - Sports

They can't help unconsciously identifying with the children of 30.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "identifying with" to convey a sense of shared understanding or empathy. Be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended emotional connection.

Common error

While "identifying with" is widely understood, overuse in formal writing can dilute the impact. Consider alternatives like "understanding", "sympathizing", or "relating to" for a more nuanced expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identifying with" functions as a verb phrase expressing a feeling of connection, empathy, or shared experience. It's used to indicate that someone understands or shares the feelings of another, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "identifying with" is a common and grammatically correct way to express empathy, shared experience, or a feeling of connection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in written English to convey understanding and shared feelings. It appears frequently in news and media, indicating its broad applicability. While versatile, consider using synonyms like "empathizing with" or "relating to" in formal contexts to add nuance. By understanding its meaning and usage, you can effectively incorporate "identifying with" into your writing to express connection and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sympathizing with

Emphasizes shared feelings, especially in times of distress.

empathizing with

Focuses on the emotional connection and understanding of another's feelings.

connecting with

Suggests a personal bond or a sense of shared identity.

feeling for

Implies a sense of sympathy or concern for someone's situation.

having compassion for

Highlights feelings of kindness and a desire to alleviate suffering.

relating to

Highlights a sense of shared experience or understanding.

recognizing oneself in

Highlights a personal connection or resonance with someone or something.

understanding

Focuses on intellectual comprehension and acknowledgment of a situation.

seeing eye to eye with

Implies a complete agreement and understanding.

finding common ground with

Suggests discovering shared interests or beliefs.

FAQs

How do I use "identifying with" in a sentence?

You can use "identifying with" to express a feeling of shared experience or understanding. For example, "Many viewers found themselves "identifying with" the protagonist's struggles."

What are some alternatives to "identifying with"?

Alternatives include "empathizing with", "relating to", or "sympathizing with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I am identifying with"?

Yes, "I am "identifying with"" is grammatically correct. It is the present continuous tense of the verb phrase.

What's the difference between "sympathizing with" and "identifying with"?

"Sympathizing with" implies feeling sorry for someone's misfortune, while ""identifying with"" suggests a deeper connection or shared experience. For example, you might sympathize with someone who lost their job, but identify with someone who shares your passion for a particular hobby.