Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
to ID
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "to ID" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where identification is required, such as verifying someone's identity or recognizing something. Example: "Please remember to bring your driver's license to ID yourself at the event."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
55 human-written examples
Then, unbearably, Mark goes on to ID his boy's corpse.
News & Media
Blair dismisses objections to ID cards on civil liberties grounds as "absurd".
News & Media
In practice, though, the rabbinate paid scant attention to ID cards.
News & Media
It also provides services to iD Mobile, TalkTalk Mobile, Talk Mobile and some Carphone Warehouse customers.
News & Media
By the time the new parliament convened, opposition to ID cards had hardened on several fronts.
News & Media
"But now, every science teacher goes over there to ID plants.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
5 human-written examples
The schemes in[21, 22] are the similar to ID-based cryptography.
As shown in Figure 3G, DJ-1-Flag transfection decreased KLF17 binding to ID-1 promoter (P<0.05), whereas siDJ-1 transfection upregulated KLF17 binding to ID-1 promoter (P<0.01).
Science
Enzymatic techniques measure SCr with substantially less variability than Jaffe techniques as compared to ID-MS reference values.
Science
Id protein family consists of four members namely Id-1 to Id-4.
Science
You could say that Pasquale Rotella is America's answer to ID&T founder Duncan Stutterheim.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "to ID", ensure the context is appropriate for its slightly informal tone. In formal documents, consider using "to identify" or "to verify identity" instead.
Common error
Avoid using "to ID" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "to identify", "to determine", or "to ascertain" depending on your specific meaning.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "to ID" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of identifying someone or something. This is confirmed by Ludwig, and is commonly used to describe the act of checking or establishing someone's identity, as shown in several examples.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Science
30%
Wiki
13%
Less common in
Formal & Business
8%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "to ID" serves as a shortened and informal way to express the act of identifying someone or something. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, while grammatically correct, its usage is best suited for casual or informal contexts. For formal writing, alternatives like "to identify" or "to verify identity" are more appropriate. "To ID" commonly appears in news and media, scientific articles, and wiki content, while it is less frequent in formal business or academic writing. When in doubt, consider the audience and the level of formality required for your writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
to identify
This alternative is more formal and general, referring to the act of establishing what something is.
to verify identity
This alternative specifically emphasizes the validation of someone's identity.
to confirm identity
Focuses on affirming that an identity is correct or valid.
to ascertain identity
This option uses a more formal and precise verb, 'ascertain', which means to find (something) out for certain; make sure of.
to establish identity
This emphasizes the process of creating or proving someone's identity.
to determine identity
This implies the act of finding out the exact identity of someone or something.
to check identification
This alternative is more explicit about the method used for verification.
to see identification
This is a more direct and less formal way of asking for identity verification.
to request identification
Directly indicates asking for proof of identity.
to demand identification
Highlights a forceful request for verification, indicating a situation where proof is urgently needed.
FAQs
What does "to ID" mean?
"To ID" is a shortened, informal way of saying "to identify". It often refers to checking someone's identification for proof of age or identity.
What can I say instead of "to ID"?
You can use alternatives like "to identify", "to verify identity", or "to check identification" depending on the context.
Is it correct to say "I need to ID him"?
Yes, it's grammatically correct and understandable, but it's also informal. In formal writing, it's better to say "I need to identify him".
When is it appropriate to use "to ID"?
It's suitable in casual conversation, informal writing, or when the context is clear. Avoid using it in formal reports, academic papers, or legal documents.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested