What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
identification
Example
The police asked for his identification before letting him into the building. [identification: noun]
Example
She used her fingerprint for identification purposes. [identification: adjective]
verification
Example
The bank requires verification of your identity before approving the transaction. [verification: noun]
Example
You need to verify your email address to complete the registration process. [verify: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Verification is more commonly used than identification in everyday language. Verification is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while identification is less common and often used in specific legal or security-related situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between identification and verification?
Both identification and verification can be used in formal and informal contexts, but identification is more likely to be associated with formal or legal situations, while verification can be used in a wider range of contexts, including informal ones.