identity check

USAGE SUMMARY

"identity check" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you need to verify someone's identity, such as when they are applying for a loan or other type of service. For example, "The bank required an identity check before they could process my loan application."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

DNA can also be isolated from filter cards and, as an identity check, cross-checked for microsatellite repeats with DNA isolated from aliquoted cells.

Columbia University

The essence of the identity check is to reinforce a false idea of permission.

The Guardian - Opinion

With the card, Clear members have basically automated the identity check process.

The New York Times

The identity check is based on comparing fingerprints of people arrested against prints in Department of Homeland Security databases.

The New York Times

He was killed in a shootout last Friday with Italian police in a Milan suburb after they stopped him for a routine identity check.

The Guardian

The Collective Against Islamophobia in France released a statement complaining of "heavy-handedness" and "provocation" by the police during the identity check.

The Guardian

She blew herself up at an Israeli roadblock when she was stopped for an identity check as she tried to cross into Israel.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

You don't want identity checks?

The New York Times

Residents are subjected to identity checks as they walk around.

The Economist

Random identity checks and detentions have become a daily hazard.

The Economist

* Additional identity checks, both of passengers and airport workers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about security measures, specify the method used for the "identity check" (e.g., biometric scan, document verification) to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "identity check" without specifying the purpose or method. For example, instead of saying "The system requires an identity check", specify what the check involves (e.g., "The system requires a two-factor authentication identity check").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identity check" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts such as "conduct an identity check" or "require an identity check". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "identity check" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, referring to the process of verifying someone's identity. Predominantly found in contexts related to News & Media, Science, and Academia, it serves the purpose of denoting a procedure for confirming an individual's claimed identity. While generally neutral in register, its formality can shift to professional depending on the setting. When using "identity check", consider specifying the method and context to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "identification verification" and "personal authentication". Common errors involve overuse without sufficient detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identification verification

Focuses more on the act of proving identification.

verification of identity

Slightly more formal phrasing.

confirming identity

Emphasizes the action of confirming rather than the check itself.

validate identity

Uses "validate" which means to check or prove the validity or accuracy of (something).

id verification

Abbreviated form, suitable for informal contexts.

prove identity

Directly focuses on the act of proving who someone is.

personal authentication

More technical and emphasizes the authentication process.

credentials verification

Focuses on verifying the credentials used for identification.

checking credentials

Emphasizes the process of checking the documents.

citizenship verification

Specifically refers to verifying someone's citizenship.

FAQs

How is an "identity check" typically performed?

An "identity check" can be performed through various methods, including document verification (like driver's licenses or passports), biometric scans (fingerprints or facial recognition), or knowledge-based authentication (answering security questions).

What's the difference between "identity check" and "background check"?

An "identity check" primarily verifies that someone is who they claim to be. A "background check", on the other hand, involves reviewing someone's history, including criminal records, employment history, and credit history.

When is an "identity check" necessary?

An "identity check" is often necessary in situations where verifying someone's identity is crucial, such as opening a bank account, applying for a loan, undergoing a security screening, or during law enforcement procedures.

What can I use instead of "identity check"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "identification verification", "ID verification", or "personal authentication".