they are identifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are identifying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action where individuals or groups are recognizing or determining something. Example: "In the meeting, they are identifying the key issues that need to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"They are identifying them now".

The New York Times

The problem they are identifying is a deeply structural one.

Harvard University

They are identifying her only as Jane Doe, to protect the identity of the children.

The New York Times

The corporate world is led by men confident that they are identifying talent objectively and effectively.

Harvard Business Review

They are identifying the molecular pathways elicited by individual or combinations of adjuvants on rOMVs.

Cornell University

"They are identifying drug takers at an earlier stage," Ljungqvist said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

The young women we spoke with have the power to change the world--they are identifying the issues that hold back women, girls, and families, and they are uniquely able to pinpoint the kinds of policy and shifts in social relations that need to happen to make a real difference.

Huffington Post

As soon as they are identified they are tested.

The New York Times - Science

So once they are identified, they are easy to follow.

MIT Technology Review

Ever more they are identified with femininity, too.

The New Yorker

They are identified as space debris, therefore man-made.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are identifying", ensure that the context clearly specifies who 'they' refers to and what is being identified.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by making sure the pronoun 'they' has a clear and easily identifiable referent in your sentence. If the referent is unclear, consider rephrasing to use a specific noun or noun phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are identifying" functions as a present continuous verb phrase. It describes an ongoing action performed by a group of individuals. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

28%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are identifying" is a versatile and commonly used present continuous phrase that describes an ongoing process of recognition or determination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news reporting and academic research to scientific studies. While maintaining a neutral tone, it's essential to ensure clarity by specifying who "they" refers to. Alternatives like "they are detecting" or "they are recognizing" can be used to add nuance, but the core meaning remains consistent. In summary, "they are identifying" is a reliable and effective way to communicate that a group is actively in the process of discerning something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are detecting

Focuses on discovering or noticing something, often something hidden or not immediately obvious.

they are pinpointing

Emphasizes the act of locating or identifying something with precision.

they are recognizing

Highlights the act of acknowledging or being aware of something.

they are determining

Focuses on the process of deciding or establishing something definitively.

they are ascertaining

Implies a careful and thorough investigation to find something out.

they are diagnosing

Specifically used when identifying a disease or problem through examination.

they are uncovering

Suggests the act of revealing something previously hidden or unknown.

they are figuring out

Implies a process of thinking and problem-solving to understand something.

they are working out

Focuses on solving a problem or understanding something through effort.

they are spotting

Emphasizes the quick recognition of something, often visually.

FAQs

How can I use "they are identifying" in a sentence?

You can use "they are identifying" to describe a group's current action of recognizing or determining something. For example, "The researchers are identifying the key factors contributing to the disease."

What are some alternatives to "they are identifying"?

Alternatives include "they are detecting", "they are recognizing", or "they are determining", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify who "they" refers to when using "they are identifying"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying who "they" refers to improves clarity and prevents ambiguity. Without a clear referent, the sentence can become confusing for the reader.

How does the formality of "they are identifying" compare to its alternatives?

"They are identifying" is generally neutral in tone and suitable for most contexts. Some alternatives, like "they are ascertaining", may be more formal, while others, like "they are figuring out", may be less formal.