we need to identify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we need to identify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the necessity to recognize or determine something specific in a discussion or analysis. Example: "In order to move forward with the project, we need to identify the key stakeholders involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need to identify a compelling reason.

Yale University

We need to identify things as they really are".

The New Yorker

We need to identify these hazards to mitigate the threat.

The New York Times

We need to identify and develop a style.

The New York Times

"We need to identify the cause of the problem before we decide who pays for what".

The New York Times

We need to identify what will work in terms of stimulating and scaling up social innovation.

The Guardian - Opinion

First of all we need to identify who the man is before sticking anything anywhere.

The Guardian - Music

We need to identify the universities that teach well and raise everyone's game.

The Guardian

We need to identify the purpose and style of science advice.

The Guardian

It sounds like we need to identify the date, location, and attendees for the meeting.

Harvard Business Review

We need to identify every possible relative or in-law whose records we also search.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we need to identify", ensure that the subject requiring identification is clearly defined to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "we need to identify the root cause of the problem" rather than just "we need to identify".

Common error

Avoid using "we need to identify" as a generic filler phrase. Always ensure that there is a concrete purpose and a specific subject to be identified. For example, instead of saying "we need to identify some solutions", provide more context: "we need to identify cost-effective solutions that align with our sustainability goals".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we need to identify" functions as an expression of necessity and intent. Grammatically, it sets the stage for an action that must be undertaken. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to express a requirement to recognize or determine something specific. Examples from Ludwig's data support its common usage across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we need to identify" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase expressing the necessity to recognize or determine something. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across various contexts, predominantly in news, scientific, and business domains. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subject to be identified, and avoid overuse in vague contexts. Consider using alternative phrases like "it is necessary to determine" for a more formal tone. The phrase functions primarily to signal an investigative or analytical process, indicating the importance of pinpointing certain factors, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian commonly employing it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have to recognize

Replaces "identify" with "recognize", focusing on acknowledging something that exists.

we must ascertain

Uses the stronger verb "ascertain" to emphasize the need to find something out definitively.

we are required to detect

Changes "need" to the more obligatory "required" and uses "detect" to imply finding something that may be hidden.

it is necessary for us to determine

Replaces the more direct "we need" with a formal expression of necessity and uses "determine" instead of "identify".

we are obliged to uncover

Presents a duty to reveal something previously unknown, using "uncover".

it's important to discern

Shifts the focus to the importance of distinguishing or recognizing something, using "discern".

we should pinpoint

Employs "pinpoint" to suggest locating something precisely.

we have to diagnose

Uses "diagnose" to suggest identifying the cause of a problem.

we ought to figure out

Uses the informal phrasal verb "figure out" to mean discovering or understanding.

it is essential to understand

Emphasizes the importance of comprehending something rather than merely identifying it.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we need to identify" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases such as "it is necessary to determine" or "we must ascertain".

What's a less direct alternative to "we need to identify"?

If you want to be less direct, consider using "it is important to discern" or "we ought to figure out", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what "we need to identify"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what needs identification enhances clarity. For instance, instead of "we need to identify", specify "we need to identify the key stakeholders" to avoid ambiguity.

How does "we need to identify" differ from "we should identify"?

"We need to identify" implies a necessity or requirement, whereas "we should identify" suggests a recommendation or suggestion. The former conveys a stronger sense of urgency or importance.