What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
id
Example
I need to show my ID to enter the club. [ID: noun]
Example
Each student has a unique ID number for accessing the online portal. [ID: noun]
Example
He struggled with his id and ego, trying to find balance in his life. [id: noun]
identification
Example
The identification process at the airport took longer than expected. [identification: noun]
Example
I had trouble with identification of the bird species in my backyard. [identification: noun]
Example
The police asked for identification of the suspect in the robbery. [identification: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Identification is more commonly used than ID in everyday language. Identification is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while ID is more specific and less commonly used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between id and identification?
Identification is generally considered more formal than ID, as it is often used in official or legal contexts. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation.
