I have the ability to identify vs I can identify

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey a similar meaning, but 'I can identify' is more concise and direct. 'I have the ability to identify' is a bit more formal and emphasizes the possession of a specific skill.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 854 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in formal contexts.

"I have the ability to identify "

This phrase is suitable for situations where a more formal tone is required, emphasizing the possession of a specific skill.

Show examples from the web [+]

The ability to identify fossils and place them in their geological time zone was still an essential skill when I was at university a century later.
Has the ability to identify birds from their call.
You know, studies have shown that people who spend too much time online lose the ability to identify simple emotions expressed in photographs of human faces.
to have the ability to identify accurately the musical works, wholly or in part, which the collective management organisation is authorised to represent;
to have the ability to identify accurately, wholly or in part, with respect to each relevant territory, the rights and their corresponding rightholders for each musical work or share therein which the collective management organisation is authorised to represent;
The press has reported that Commissioner John Dalli's spokesperson has conceded doubts on the Commission's ability to identify processed products that contain contaminated eggs.
"an unparalleled ability to identify sonic anomalies"
I have the ability to draw out people's forbidden desires.
I have the ability to do both.
I have the ability to make you a model.
- I have the abilities to see certain energies.
The point is, I have the ability to end this conversation right now.
Is the directive on patient mobility an appropriate framework for commenting on the ability to identify malnutrition as one of the quality criteria of hospitals and care establishments?
And the metaphorical truth interferes with our ability to identify it as literally false.
As the President, I have the ability to issue a formal pardon.
Because he's grieving, I have the ability to go to the board and delay this sale.
I have the ability to say things I don't mean.
I have the ability to tweak some of the parameters to avoid engine damage.
I have the ability to act like a lens, which focuses thought.
Because I have the ability to see things in more than one way.

Alternatives:

I possess the ability to identify
I am capable of identifying
I have the skill to identify
I am able to identify
I have the capacity to identify

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in everyday conversations.

"I can identify "

This phrase is more direct and concise, suitable for informal or casual situations when expressing the ability to recognize or distinguish something.

Show examples from the web [+]

I can identify the man you're looking for, Lizzy.
I can identify every insect and arachnid on the planet.
If I can identify these species, isolate them to a specific habitat, it might give us a map to the killer's movements.
I'll digitally enhance the features, and see if I can identify the shooter.
I can identify person who took my picture last time
From their transponders, I can identify 136 commercial and cargo flights,
Now, using bipartite network analysis, I can identify who the true connectors are.
If I can identify the trigger, maybe...
The metal is more aggressive and I can identify with him.
I think I can identify one of the victims.
This is the kind of language I can identify with.
There are many things in the Goebbels report with which I can identify.
I can identify a range of aspects of the relationship with our eastern neighbours.
I'll take a Mikrosil mold of the nicks to see if I can identify the weapon that caused it.
And if I can identify the specific motive or not, I still come to expect that stench anytime you darken my door.
I can identify it in others, but I have a hard time experiencing it myself.
If I see you, I can identify you.
Regardless, I've been studying them up close, and I'm 99% sure I can identify the person responsible for the massacre in Bolivia.
I don't know what you people did, but I can identify him.
Nothing I can identify, sir, but there's a life jacket.

Alternatives:

I am able to identify
I know how to identify
I can recognize
I can distinguish
I can spot

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I have the ability to identify vs I can identify