to identify

USAGE SUMMARY

"to identify" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about recognizing or figuring out something. For example, "We used the pictures to identify the suspect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"To identify with our people".

The New York Times

Learn how to identify shorebirds.

The New York Times

We're trying to identify them".

The New York Times - Sports

H.P. declined to identify them.

The New York Times

Learn techniques to identify birds.

The New York Times

Roger!" to identify himself.

The New Yorker

To identify ourselves.

The Guardian

How to identify them?

The New York Times - Sports

The officials refused to identify them, though.

The New York Times

The culprits are easier to identify.

The Economist

They have been unable to identify most.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, use "to identify" to clearly express the purpose of distinguishing or recognizing something specific. For instance, "The goal of the study is "to identify" the key factors influencing consumer behavior."

Common error

Avoid using "to identify" excessively in overly complex sentences. Simplify your writing by breaking down long sentences or using more direct verbs to enhance clarity and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to identify" functions primarily as an infinitive verb, expressing the purpose or intention behind an action. This is consistent with Ludwig's / Ludwig AI analysis, as seen in examples where it introduces a goal or objective. For instance, "Learn how "to identify" ducks" or "We're trying "to identify" them".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to identify" is a versatile infinitive verb commonly used to express the purpose or goal of recognizing, distinguishing, or determining something. As Ludwig / Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across diverse contexts, including news, academic research, and general how-to guides. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate for both formal and informal settings. When writing, use "to identify" to clearly state the intention of recognizing or distinguishing something specific. Be mindful of overuse in complex sentences to maintain clarity. Alternatives such as "to pinpoint", "to detect", and "to determine" can add nuance depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to pinpoint

Focuses on finding the exact location or cause, adding a layer of precision that might not be present in the original phrase.

to detect

Emphasizes discovering something not easily noticeable, suggesting a need for careful observation or specialized tools.

to determine

Highlights the process of making a definite decision or calculation after investigation, useful when precision is needed.

to recognize

Focuses on acknowledging something known from past experience, highlighting familiarity over discovery.

to ascertain

Indicates finding something out for certain, often through investigation, adding a sense of verification.

to diagnose

Specifically refers to identifying a disease or problem, useful in medical or technical contexts.

to distinguish

Focuses on noticing or pointing out a difference between two or more things, implying comparison.

to uncover

Suggests revealing something hidden or secret, adding an element of discovery or exposure.

to expose

Emphasizes bringing something hidden to light, often with a negative connotation, such as exposing a fraud.

to categorize

Focuses on placing something into a specific group or class, implying a structured approach.

FAQs

How can I use "to identify" in a sentence?

Use "to identify" to express the act of recognizing or distinguishing something. For example, "The software is designed "to identify" potential security threats".

What are some alternatives to "to identify"?

You can use alternatives like "to pinpoint", "to detect", or "to determine" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "to identify" or "identifying"?

The choice between "to identify" and "identifying" depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence. Use "to identify" as an infinitive verb form and "identifying" as a gerund or present participle.

How does the meaning of "to identify" differ from "to recognize"?

"To identify" implies a process of distinguishing something from others or determining its nature, while "to recognize" means to know something from previous experience or knowledge.