Collocations are words that usually go together in English.

Here we are going to look at words that go with 'identify' to make useful and popular expressions you will hear in social and professional contexts.

Identify gaps

When we identify gaps, we find what is missing from something.

Examples

• A gaps analysis identifies gaps between the actual and desired performance of a team.

• The software isn't working properly. I need you to identify any gaps there might be in the programming.

Identify causes

When you identify a cause, it means to detect the origin of something or what started it.

Examples

• Let's try to identify the causes of the problems in communication.

• If we don't identify the causes of the drop in sales, we will lose out on a lot of money.

Identify factors

We identify factors when we establish the elements involved in something.

Examples

• We aim to identify all the factors contributing to global warming and tackle them one by one.

• There are a number of identifying factors in this report that led us to reject your offer.

Identify problems

This means to pinpoint the negative issues involved.

Examples

• If we identify the problems that are slowing you down, we can start to solve them.

• I have identified a few problems with your car, and have already fixed them.

• The computer expert managed to quickly identify the problem with the software, but he wasn't sure if he could fix it.

Identify patterns

When we take account of repetitive behaviours, similarities and differences, we identify patterns.

Examples

• When we started to identify patterns in shoppers behaviour, we were able to change the website to make more sales.

• Mathematicians identified patterns of numbers that led to the creation of helpful formulas.