made an identity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made an identity" is not correct in standard written English.
It is unclear without context, but it may be intended to convey the creation or establishment of an identity. Example: "After years of self-discovery, she finally made an identity for herself that reflected her true values."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That line made an identity.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He now has the possibility of making an identity for himself.

The New York Times - Books

I take it we agree, as square old liberals, that without individuals human life ends in a cold glutinous porridge — despite our different opinions as to what makes an "identity".

The New Yorker

The shock of the Depression and the subsequent collapse of his father's power just at the moment in adolescence when Miller was trying to make an identity from his father's example, had a traumatic effect.

The New Yorker

Some might consider 1P29Schol to be making an identity claim as well: "But by Natura Naturata I understand whatever follows from the necessity of God's nature, or [sive] from any of God's attributes…" Spinoza in these places seems to be claiming that there is an identification of the substance with its attributes.

SEP

In the same poem, you write, "To make an identity repair-kit of all black folk / behavior, to shine or show-off, as nuisance as / nuance, sometimes some-timey and sometimes on- / point, the slanguage of hood ornaments".

Huffington Post

Over slightly less than two months, the organization put together the product, consulted actual hackers and made an elaborate identity for Hiropro999, setting up online accounts, an email address, a fake "explainer" video and even a phone number.

Huffington Post

Says Karp: "We're giving them tools to make create an identity they can be really proud of; you do it on a page you can control completely.

BBC

She made a new identity in a new world in a new city.

Huffington Post

"At the beginning of the film, David is attracted to men, he has these desires, but he isn't ready to make it an identity, to make it a part of himself.

Huffington Post

Someone who just made up an identity to commit a fraud won't have evidence lying about.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the creation of an identity, consider using stronger verbs like "establish", "create", or "develop" for clarity and impact. For example, use "establish an identity" instead of "made an identity".

Common error

Avoid using the verb "make" too generically with abstract nouns like "identity". While grammatically functional, it often lacks precision and impact. Opt for more descriptive verbs that convey the specific process or nuance of identity formation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made an identity" functions as a verb phrase where "made" acts as the main verb, and "an identity" serves as the direct object. However, according to Ludwig, this construction is not considered correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "made an identity" is understandable, it's generally considered incorrect in standard written English. Ludwig indicates that stronger verbs like "establish", "create", or "develop" are preferred for clarity and impact. The phrase's function is to express the act of forming an identity, but its usage is relatively rare, with occurrences across news, scientific, and wiki sources. To enhance writing precision, it's advisable to opt for alternatives such as "established an identity" or "created an identity", which provide more descriptive and impactful expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

created an identity

Highlights the construction or formation of a new identity.

formed an identity

A general term for the process of identity creation.

established an identity

Focuses on the act of creating a lasting and recognized identity.

constructed an identity

Emphasizes the deliberate and intentional building of an identity.

developed an identity

Suggests a gradual and evolutionary process of forming an identity.

shaped an identity

Highlights the influence of external factors on the formation of identity.

forged an identity

Implies a more difficult or challenging process of identity formation.

defined an identity

Emphasizes the clear articulation and understanding of one's identity.

cultivated an identity

Implies nurturing and refining an identity over time.

fashioned an identity

Suggests a creative or artistic approach to identity creation.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to the phrase "made an identity"?

You can use alternatives like "established an identity", "created an identity", or "developed an identity" depending on the context.

Is "made an identity" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "made an identity" is not considered the best choice in formal writing. It's generally better to use stronger verbs like "establish", "create", or "form" for greater clarity and precision.

How can I use "established an identity" in a sentence?

You could say, "Through her work, she established an identity as a leading expert in the field" or "The company established an identity synonymous with quality and innovation."

What is the difference between "created an identity" and "established an identity"?

"Created an identity" generally emphasizes the act of bringing something new into existence, whereas "established an identity" implies making that new thing recognized and accepted.