it identifies as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it identifies as a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's or something's self-identification, particularly in contexts related to gender, species, or other identity categories. Example: "The character in the story identifies as a dragon, despite being a human in appearance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

There were his risky zingers, like: " 'Transparent' was born a drama but it identifies as a comedy".

The New Yorker

And the report emphasizes carbon capture for coal emissions, which it identifies as a top priority for China, which this year became the world's top greenhouse gas emitter.

Science Magazine

It identifies as a "class struggle union," one that eschews hierarchies or "dividing workers by skill or trade".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The indictment names John Barbato, also known as Johnny Sausage, whom it identified as a Genovese capo, and Michael Verdi, a Genevose associate.

The New York Times

But the column did quote a federal judge whom it identified as a "friend and confidant of Walker's".

The New Yorker

It said that among the dead was Nazmi Zoroub, whom it identified as a senior Hamas commander.

The Guardian

The KFile team said it attempted to contact the user, whom it identified as a man, on Monday but that "he did not respond".

Huffington Post

The court drew a parallel with a St . Patricks Day parade, which it identified as a secular activity with religious roots.

Huffington Post

Never was it identified as a research project.

BMC Medical Ethics

In February, Israel downed an aircraft it identified as an armed Iranian drone that had penetrated its airspace.

Los Angeles Times

Allergies are an over-reaction of your immune system to something which it wrongly identifies as a threat.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it identifies as a" when discussing the self-identification of entities, concepts, or abstract subjects. Ensure that the context clearly supports the use of this phrase to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it identifies as a" to refer to human beings, unless the context is explicitly non-binary or otherwise calls for gender-neutral pronouns. Using "he", "she", or "they" is generally more appropriate for human subjects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it identifies as a" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating how a non-human entity, concept, or abstract subject defines itself. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to express self-identification.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it identifies as a" is a grammatically correct and usable expression used to describe the self-identification of non-human entities or abstract concepts. While Ludwig indicates it's a valid phrase, it's important to use it appropriately, especially avoiding its misuse when referring to people. The analysis highlights its use across different contexts, from news and media to scientific literature. Related phrases include "it considers itself to be" and "it defines itself as", offering nuanced alternatives depending on the context. When writing, ensure the subject of "it" is clearly defined and avoid using it for human subjects unless explicitly appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it considers itself to be

Replaces "identifies as" with a more explicit "considers itself to be", emphasizing a deliberate self-assessment.

it defines itself as

Highlights a formal or explicit definition of identity.

it characterizes itself as

Uses "characterizes" to suggest a more active and descriptive form of self-definition.

it perceives itself as

Focuses on the internal view or perception that something has of itself.

it recognizes itself as

Emphasizes the act of acknowledging or understanding one's own identity.

it labels itself as

Emphasizes the act of assigning a specific label to one's identity.

it understands itself as

Focuses on the internal comprehension of its own nature.

it presents itself as

Shifts the focus to how something is outwardly portrayed or presented.

it presents as

A shortened version, focusing on outward appearance or impression.

it claims to be

Suggests a declaration or assertion of identity, potentially with a hint of skepticism.

FAQs

How do I use "it identifies as a" in a sentence?

Use "it identifies as a" to describe how an entity or concept defines itself. For instance, "The program "identifies as a" simulation tool" or "The non-profit organization "identifies as a" community resource".

What are some alternatives to "it identifies as a"?

Alternatives include "it considers itself to be", "it characterizes itself as", or "it defines itself as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative offers a slightly different perspective on the subject's self-perception or declaration.

When is it appropriate to use "it identifies as a" instead of "he/she identifies as a"?

"It identifies as a" is appropriate when referring to non-human entities, abstract concepts, or when the gender of a person is unknown or irrelevant. Use "he/she/they identify as a" when referring to individuals and their gender identity when the context requires it.

What does "it identifies as a" mean?

"It identifies as a" means that the subject in question defines or perceives itself to be a particular thing. For example, a software program might "identify as a" simulation, meaning its primary function is to simulate real-world scenarios.