she identifies as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she identifies as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's self-identification regarding gender, sexuality, or other aspects of identity. Example: "She identifies as a woman and is proud of her journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of the supporters, in their praise of Fildebrandt, called the premier "Mr. Wynne or whatever the hell she identifies as," and Fildebrandt responded to the praise with "proud to have constituents like you".

Vice

"Rachel Dolezal is black because she identifies as black," he said.

The Guardian

Although she's not Sephardic (her family is from Syria and Iraq; she identifies as Mizrahi), her approach is intentionally global.

The New York Times - Arts

She identifies as "crip" — a term used to capture the liberatory, countercultural aspects of life with disability.

The New Yorker

This use of voices has enabled her, writes Morrison, to break away from what she identifies as "a totalising view".

The Guardian - Books

Ms. Wampole includes herself in her critique of irony and the people she identifies as hipsters: I, too, exhibit ironic tendencies.

The New York Times

She identifies as Cockney, and success has brought her into posh company; her shape-shifting background lends itself to improvisation and poses.

The New Yorker

Dolezal - the former National Association for the Advancement of Colored People leader exposed as caucasian - has maintained that she identifies as black.

Independent

Asked if she identifies as a feminist, Kasdagli, a 30-year-old whose Women on Top project is by women, for women, betrays a telling uncertainty.

The Guardian

Letissier accepts that most people listen to the tunes rather than her progressive lyrics about queerness – she identifies as pansexual, falling in love with personalities rather than genders.

The Guardian

Bruce Jenner has confirmed that she identifies as a woman, ending years of rumour and speculation that shone an uncomfortable light on the transgender community.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she identifies as" when referring to someone's self-declared identity, especially regarding gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or other personal characteristics. Always respect the individual's chosen identity and use appropriate language.

Common error

Avoid using "she identifies as" when a more direct descriptor is available and accurate. For example, instead of saying "she identifies as a teacher," say "she is a teacher" if her profession is known and confirmed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she identifies as" functions as a declarative statement used to express a person's self-declared identity. It emphasizes the individual's subjective understanding and chosen label for themselves, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "she identifies as" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's self-declared identity, particularly concerning gender, sexuality, or ethnicity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, emphasizing respect for an individual's self-identification. When writing, it's crucial to use this phrase accurately and respectfully, avoiding it when more direct and confirmed descriptors are available. Alternatives like "she considers herself to be" or "she defines herself as" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Using "she identifies as" appropriately shows sensitivity and understanding in discussions about identity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she considers herself to be

Replaces "identifies as" with a more general term for self-perception.

she defines herself as

Focuses on the act of self-definition rather than identification.

she sees herself as

Emphasizes self-perception and internal view.

she describes herself as

Highlights the act of verbally portraying oneself.

she regards herself as

Suggests a more thoughtful and considered self-assessment.

she presents herself as

Focuses on the image someone projects to others.

she characterizes herself as

Implies a detailed and comprehensive self-portrayal.

her self-described identity is

Uses a noun phrase to describe the person's identity.

she claims to be

Can imply a degree of skepticism or doubt regarding the self-identification.

she professes to be

Suggests a formal or public declaration of identity.

FAQs

How can I use "she identifies as" in a sentence?

You can use "she identifies as" when discussing someone's self-perception of their gender, sexual orientation, or other aspects of their identity. For example, "She identifies as pansexual and is an advocate for LGBT rights".

What can I say instead of "she identifies as"?

Alternatives include "she considers herself to be", "she defines herself as", or "she sees herself as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "she identifies as"?

It is most appropriate when discussing aspects of identity that are self-defined and not always externally apparent. Using it implies respect for the individual's self-identification. If a person's identity is externally confirmed or generally known, a more direct term might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "she identifies as" and "she is"?

"She is" implies a factual or externally verified state. "She identifies as" emphasizes that the characteristic is based on her self-perception. For example, "she is American" suggests citizenship, while "she identifies as American" suggests a cultural or personal connection to America.