they were identified as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were identified as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the classification or labeling of individuals or groups based on certain characteristics or criteria. Example: "After the investigation, they were identified as the main suspects in the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were identified as Sgts.

The New York Times

They were identified as Hideki Hashimoto, Nobuhiro Kurosaki and Hiroshi Tanaka.

The Guardian

They were identified as Dashorn Washington and Jamel Robinson, both of East New York.

The New York Times

They were identified as Sarah Blaustein, 53, and Esther Alvan, 20.

The New York Times

They were identified as Jeffrey Edmonson, 23, Brian Mahanna, 21, and Micah Lasher, 22.

The New York Times

They were identified as Robert Eugene Russell, 19, and Vernon Ray Dean Plum lee, 20.

The New York Times

They were identified as "peacetime" examples and were minuscule in scope, compared with the Korean War.

The Washington Post

They were identified as Toure Adama, Philippe Ouedraogo, Emmanuel Dadjouari and Arba Diallo.

The New York Times

They were identified as Sara Chalachew, Getnet Alemayehu, Sintayehu Aymeku and Mulusew Alemu, all senior managers.

The Washington Post

They were identified as Shafiq Rasul, 24; Asif Iqbal, 20; Ruhal Ahmed, 21; and Tarek Dergoul, 24.

The New York Times

Yesterday, they were identified as Mrs. Brown's through dental X-rays, said Ellen S. Borakove, a spokeswoman for the office.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were identified as", ensure the criteria for identification are clear to avoid ambiguity. Provide context about who made the identification and on what basis.

Common error

Avoid vague statements using "they were identified as" without specifying the identifying authority or the characteristics used for identification. Always provide sufficient context for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were identified as" functions as a passive construction indicating the act of formally recognizing or categorizing a group. It is commonly used to convey information about how individuals or entities have been classified based on specific criteria. This is supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

28%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were identified as" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction for formally recognizing or classifying individuals or entities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, indicating its suitability for objective reporting and formal conclusions. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide clear identification criteria to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "they were recognized as" and "they were classified as", which offer similar but nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were recognized as

Replaces "identified" with "recognized", emphasizing acknowledgment rather than formal identification.

they were classified as

Substitutes "identified" with "classified", highlighting a systematic categorization.

they were designated as

Replaces "identified" with "designated", indicating a formal assignment of a role or status.

they were labeled as

Uses "labeled" instead of "identified", suggesting the assignment of a descriptive term.

they were known as

Emphasizes common knowledge or public perception rather than formal identification.

they were determined to be

Highlights the process of reaching a conclusion about their identity or nature.

they were established as

Focuses on the confirmation or validation of their identity or role.

they were discovered to be

Indicates an uncovering or revelation of their true identity or nature.

they were found to be

Similar to "discovered to be", but with a slightly less emphasized sense of revelation.

their identities were revealed as

Shifts the focus to the revelation of identities, adding a dramatic element.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they were identified as" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "they were designated as" or "they were classified as", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "they were identified as" and "they were recognized as"?

"They were identified as" implies a formal process of establishing someone's identity or categorization. "They were recognized as" suggests that they were already known or acknowledged in a certain way.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "they were identified as"?

The phrase is suitable in news reports, scientific papers, and formal reports where you need to state how individuals or items were classified or determined to be something.

Can I use "they were identified as" when referring to non-human entities?

Yes, "they were identified as" can be used for non-human entities such as objects, substances, or concepts, particularly in scientific or technical writing where a formal determination is made.