identity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "identity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to either a person's physical, mental, or spiritual form, or any other property or characteristic of an individual. For example, "Everyone has their own identity, one that should be respected and celebrated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You have a precious opportunity, and an important responsibility, in explaining and demonstrating how faith in Islam can be part of British identity.

The Guardian

But any irony involved in a coalition government that came to power pledging to scrap identity cards introducing a system of foreign residence permits will be lost as the political parties indulge in "a race to the bottom" over immigration.

The Guardian

The 2 million people from other EU states who live in Britain will be forced to have resident permits or identity cards if David Cameron is to fulfil his pledge to make rules on access to public services for new migrants the toughest in Europe.

The Guardian

Wikipedia says that "sock-puppetry" – creating a fake online identity "for an improper purpose, such as to mislead other editors, disrupt discussions, distort consensus or avoid sanctions" – is not permitted.

The Guardian

What makes up our identity and how does our past shape our present?

The Guardian

The original roots of the "corporate identity" business lay in design-led American companies which, from the 30s to the 50s, rationalised the look of great corporations through the application of massive design programmes.

The Guardian

Luna's father, Gustavo Luna, told Grupo Imagen that the mistaken identity appeared to hinge on the fact that both girls share the name Alondra, and that he had met Díaz, who was his sister's brother-in-law, several times when in Houston over a decade ago.

The Guardian

"Psychiatric care is becoming a consumer good in a society in which there is a low tolerance for frustration and adversity," said one Spain-based doctor whose identity has been verified but who wanted to remain anonymous.

The Guardian

Government figures estimate benefit fraud due to identity theft at between £20-£50m £20-£50mm, a fraction of the LSE's low cost estimate for the scheme of £10bn.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only their personal effects remain: passports, identity cards, mobile phones, bank notes and bleached photographs of family groups.

The Guardian

And Caitlyn (Jenner, formally Bruce, if you really haven't been paying attention), who revealed her new identity on the cover of Vanity Fair this week, has achieved this feat in less than one week.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "identity" to refer to both individual and collective attributes, such as national identity or corporate identity, depending on the context.

Common error

Be careful not to use "identity" too broadly. Instead of saying "the project needs an identity", consider more specific terms like "brand", "image", or "theme" depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "identity" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the qualities, beliefs, personality, looks and/or expressions that make a person or group different from others. Ludwig shows many instances where "identity" denotes a sense of self or belonging, fitting this definition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "identity" is a versatile noun used to denote the unique characteristics that define an individual, group, or entity. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific contexts. Its primary function is to define and differentiate, serving to express selfhood, affiliation, or distinctiveness. While the term carries a neutral tone leaning toward formality, it applies across various registers. When using "identity", clarity is key; specify the aspect you are referring to – personal, cultural, national, or corporate – to avoid ambiguity. Consider synonyms like "sense of self", "character", or "individuality" to prevent overuse and ensure precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of self

Focuses on the individual's perception and understanding of who they are.

self-image

Refers to how an individual perceives themselves.

personal character

Highlights the unique qualities and traits that define an individual.

individual traits

Highlights specific characteristics that define someone.

defining characteristics

Highlights fundamental aspects that shape something's nature.

distinctive nature

Emphasizes the unique features that set something apart.

unique attributes

Focuses on the particular qualities that distinguish someone or something.

established persona

Refers to a role or character adopted by someone in the world.

national belonging

Highlights the connection to a country, culture, and heritage.

group affiliation

Emphasizes belonging to a certain community and the shared values and traits.

FAQs

How can I use "identity" in a sentence?

You can use "identity" to refer to a person's sense of self, as in "She struggled to find her identity". It can also refer to the characteristics that define a group, such as "national identity".

What are some synonyms for "identity"?

Alternatives to "identity" include "sense of self", "character", or "individuality", depending on the context.

What does "cultural identity" mean?

"Cultural identity" refers to the shared values, beliefs, and practices that define a group of people, often based on ethnicity, religion, or nationality. It is a key aspect of "group affiliation".

How is "identity" used in a business context?

In business, "identity" often refers to "brand" identity, which encompasses the visual and communicative elements that define a company's image and values. It helps to create a distinct "distinctive nature".