What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
identify
Example
Can you identify the person in this photograph? [identify: verb]
Example
The scientist was able to identify a new species of bird in the forest. [identify: verb]
Example
It's important to identify the different types of plants in the garden. [identify: verb]
determine
Example
The judge will determine the verdict based on the evidence presented. [determine: verb]
Example
The doctor needs to determine the cause of the patient's symptoms. [determine: verb]
Example
She was determined to finish the race despite her injury. [determined: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Identify is more common in everyday language than determine. Identify is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while determine is more specialized and often used in formal or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between identify and determine?
Determine is generally considered more formal than identify. While identify can be used in both formal and informal contexts, determine is more commonly used in formal or technical writing.
