Cool MateIdentify vs Specify
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Identify
Top 2,000 (common)A2verb
Specify
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
| Identify | Specify | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //aɪˈdɛntɪfaɪ//🇺🇸 //aɪˈdɛn tə faɪ// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈspesɪfaɪ/","/ˈspesɪfaɪz/","/ˈspesɪfaɪd/","/ˈspesɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈspesɪfaɪ/","/ˈspesɪfaɪz/","/ˈspesɪfaɪd/","/ˈspesɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To say who or what someone or something is. | To say exactly what you mean. |
| Example | The teacher asked us to identify the different species of plants. | Remember to specify your size when ordering clothes. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | identify an object, identify a problem, identify a mistake, identify the source, identify risks | clearly, fully, carefully, allow somebody to, require somebody to, be difficult to |
| Antonyms | ignore, overlook, confuse | vague, generalize |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'identify with', which means to relate to someone., Using 'identifying' incorrectly as a noun., Forgetting to use an object after 'identify'. | Using 'specification' instead of 'specify'., Confusing 'specify' with 'identify'., Omitting the object when using 'specify'. |
| Usage notes | Used when recognizing or naming something. Common in everyday situations and formal contexts, but avoid in casual conversations. | Use 'specify' when you want to give detailed information. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, especially in formal situations. Avoid in very casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Identify vs Specify
What's the difference between Identify and Specify?
Identify: To say who or what someone or something is. Specify: To say exactly what you mean.
Which is more advanced: Identify and Specify?
Specify is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Identify and Specify the same CEFR level?
Identify: A2, Specify: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Identify and Specify?
Identify: verb, Specify: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Identify: The teacher asked us to identify the different species of plants. Specify: Remember to specify your size when ordering clothes.
Can I use Identify and Specify interchangeably?
Not always. Identify and Specify are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.