not identified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not identified" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used when referring to something that is not clearly specified or understood. For example, "The source of the noise remains not identified."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was not identified.

The New York Times

You are not identified".

The New York Times

Damping is not identified.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The victims were not identified.

The New York Times

The officers were not identified.

The New York Times

The officer was not identified.

The New Yorker

The gunman was not identified.

The New York Times

(The artists were not identified).

The New York Times

The buyers were not identified.

The New York Times

The programs were not identified.

The New York Times

That person was not identified.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not identified", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking identification. For example, "The suspect was not identified by police."

Common error

Avoid using "not identified" when the subject is generally known but lacks specific details. Instead of saying "The author is not identified", consider "The author's specific qualifications are not listed", if that's the actual case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not identified" primarily functions as a passive adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun's identity is unknown or has not been established. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not identified" serves as a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that something or someone lacks specific recognition. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a versatile phrase found across various contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and scientific reports. While alternatives like "unnamed" or "unspecified" offer similar meanings, the key is to ensure contextual clarity and precision. Remember to use "not identified" when the subject's identity is genuinely unknown, and avoid it when more specific details are lacking. Keep in mind, as explained by Ludwig, that clarity and accuracy are essential when employing this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unnamed

This alternative is a shorter, more direct way of saying that the name of something or someone is not known or specified.

identity unknown

This phrase directly states that the identity is not known.

not recognized

This phrase emphasizes the lack of recognition or acknowledgement.

unspecified

This alternative highlights that the details of something have not been clearly stated or defined.

undisclosed

This alternative suggests that the information is being intentionally kept secret or private.

not determined

This indicates that the identity or nature of something is yet to be established.

anonymous

This alternative indicates that the identity of the person or thing is deliberately concealed.

source not revealed

This alternative focuses on the fact that the origin or provider of the information is not being disclosed.

details lacking

This alternative emphasizes the absence of specific details about the subject.

unknown

This is a general term indicating that something is not known or recognized.

FAQs

How do I use "not identified" in a sentence?

Use "not identified" to indicate that a person, object, or piece of information has not been specifically recognized or named. For instance, "The body found at the scene was "not identified" by authorities".

What are some alternatives to saying "not identified"?

You can use alternatives such as "unnamed", "unspecified", or "anonymous" depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "not identified"?

While grammatically correct, using "not identified" may be misleading if the context suggests a deliberate attempt to conceal information when it's simply unknown. Consider alternatives like "unknown" or "undisclosed" for greater accuracy.

What's the difference between "not identified" and "unidentifiable"?

"Not identified" means the subject has not yet been recognized, whereas "unidentifiable" implies that the subject cannot be recognized, regardless of effort. A missing person might be ""not identified"" until dental records prove them to be "unidentifiable" due to decomposition.