Meaning & use
false identities
Last updated
“false identities” is a form of “false identity”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounpluralformal
names, documents, or personal details that are not real, used to hide who someone really is
Grammar: Countable noun; the singular is 'false identity'. Use 'a false identity' for one, 'false identities' for more than one.
Patterns
- use false identities
- under false identities
- create false identities
The spies traveled under false identities.
She was charged with using false identities to open bank accounts.
Criminals often create false identities to avoid detection.
Word forms
| singular | false identity |
|---|
Common combinations
- under false identities
- The fugitives were living under false identities in another country.
- use false identities
- The gang used false identities to buy property.
- create false identities
- It is illegal to create false identities for fraudulent purposes.
Synonyms and how they differ
- fake IDs
- Fake IDs usually refers specifically to forged identification documents, while 'false identities' can include made-up names and personal histories as well.
- aliases
- Aliases are alternative names used to hide one's real name, but they do not necessarily involve false documents or full personal details.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: false identities or false identity?
false identities vs false identity
This is the singular form; use it when talking about one false identity, e.g., 'He used a false identity to rent a car.'
Practice
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose one answer.
'False identities' is the plural form and fits after 'use' when talking about more than one. Option A uses the singular without an article, option B mixes 'a' with a plural, and option D spells the plural incorrectly.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “false identities”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.