identify
verb (used with object)
to recognize or establish as being a particular person or thing; verify the identity of.
had been identifying
-
past perfect progressiveof identify.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Authorities didn’t say how the birds were infected, although federal wildlife agents had been identifying low-pathogenic versions of the H7N9 virus for several years in wild birds.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 19, 2025
Kutti had been identifying herself publicly as a member of “the Young Black Leadership Council under President Donald Trump.”
From Reuters ● Aug. 15, 2023
Officials and locals had been identifying the chunky criminal by his dark coat and exceptionally large size, apparently from skipping winter hibernation.
From BBC ● Feb. 25, 2022
Sasha had been identifying as agender for almost a year by now, but they still dressed the same as they always had—like a boy.
From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater
