What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
equate
Example
In this context, we can equate success with happiness. [equate: verb]
Example
The symbol '+' is often equated with addition. [equated: past participle]
identify
Example
Can you identify the person in this photograph? [identify: verb]
Example
The detective was able to identify the suspect by his fingerprints. [identified: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Identify is more commonly used than equate in everyday language. Identify is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while equate is less common and refers to a specific type of comparison.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between equate and identify?
Both equate and identify can be used in formal and informal contexts, but equate is more commonly used in technical or specialized fields, while identify is more commonly used in everyday language.
