What does the phrasal verb “identify with” mean?

What are the definitions of “identify with”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To feel a connection or understanding with someone or something.

  He didn’t seem to be able to identify with ordinary people and their aspirations.

• 2. To feel a connection or similarity with someone or something.

  The Americans were anxious not to become identified with ‘colonial’ authorities.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “identify with”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb identify with is to feel a connection or understanding with someone or something. It is often used when someone can relate to another person's experiences, emotions, or situations.

What are the different verb forms of “identify with”?

Root Verb	identify with
Third Person Singular Present	identifies with
Present Participle	identifying with
Simple Past	identified with
Past Participle	identified with

Example

I can identify with her struggles as a single parent.

Example

He identifies with the challenges faced by immigrants.

Example

She is identifying with the main character in the book.

Example

They identified with the feelings of loss and grief in the movie.

Example

She has always identified with her cultural heritage.

What kind of phrasal verb is “identify with”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“identify with” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

I identify with her struggles.

Example

He identifies with the challenges faced by immigrants.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“identify with” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

I identify with her struggles.

Example

He identifies with the challenges faced by immigrants.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “identify with”?

Identify with a cause

To feel a connection or commitment to a particular issue or movement.

Example

Many people identify with the fight for climate change.

Identify with a group

To feel a sense of belonging or connection to a specific group of people.

Example

She identifies with the LGBTQ+ community.

Identify with a character

To feel a connection or similarity to a character in a book, movie, or TV show.

Example

I identify with the main character in the novel because we share similar experiences.

Good things to know

Does “identify with” have an informal or formal tone?

Identify with is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as academic discussions or professional environments.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “identify with”?

Synonyms

• understand
• share
• relate to
• empathize with
• connect with
• sympathize with

Antonyms

• disassociate
• disconnect
• dissociate
• separate
• diverge
• differ