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Prepositions after adjectives

identifiable with different prepositions

Identifiable by is the main pattern for features used to recognise something. Identifiable as and identifiable to are also used in specific meanings.

Quick answer

Most common patterns

Use identifiable by for signs or features that allow recognition. Use identifiable as for classification or identity. Identifiable to describes something recognised by a particular group or person.

The bird is easily identifiable by its red wings.
The suspect was identifiable as the man from the video.
The melody is instantly identifiable to jazz fans.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
identifiable by + feature

Recognising something from a feature

Identifiable by introduces the characteristic used for recognition.

The package was identifiable by its label.
The species is identifiable by its markings.
2
identifiable as + identity

Classifying or naming something

Identifiable as states what someone or something is recognised as.

The voice was immediately identifiable as hers.
The building is still identifiable as a former factory.
3
identifiable to + person or group

Recognisable to specific people

Identifiable to means capable of being recognised by someone.

The symbol is easily identifiable to local residents.
The tune is identifiable to most listeners.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
identifiable by
The car was identifiable by its colour.
recognised from a feature
identifiable as
He was identifiable as the missing tourist.
recognised as a particular person or thing
identifiable to
The accent is identifiable to native speakers.
recognisable by a certain group
identifiable with
Identifiable with is not a standard modern pattern.
with is generally not used directly after identifiable
identifiable in
The style is identifiable in her later work.
in introduces context or location, not a fixed adjective pattern

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using identifiable with

English normally uses identifiable by or identifiable as.

✕ The product is identifiable with its logo. ✓ The product is identifiable by its logo.

Confusing identifiable by and identifiable as

By introduces the feature; as introduces the identity.

✕ He was identifiable by the missing tourist. ✓ He was identifiable as the missing tourist.

Using identifiable in for recognition

Use by for the recognising feature.

✕ The animal is identifiable in its tail. ✓ The animal is identifiable by its tail.

Using to for identity

To refers to the people who can recognise something.

✕ She was identifiable to the singer. ✓ She was identifiable as the singer.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The plant is identifiable ___ its bright leaves.
2. The actor was identifiable ___ the man in the poster.
3. The logo is identifiable ___ customers worldwide.

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Frequently asked questions

Is identifiable by correct?

Yes. It is the standard pattern for features used to recognise something.

What does identifiable as mean?

It means recognised or classified as a particular person or thing.

Can I say identifiable with?

It is not standard in modern English. Use identifiable by or identifiable as instead.

ideal-for-in-as-at, from "identical to" or "identical with"? "idle for" or "idle in"? ignorant of, about, to, in or on? "illegal in" or "illegal for"? illustrative of, in, rather or for? ill with, in, for, at or of? "immune to" or "immune from"? "impatient with" or "impatient for"? "imperative for" or "imperative to"? impervious to, from or in? implicit in, to, within, from or rather?

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