identification card
B1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
An official document containing a person's identifying information and photograph, used to prove identity.
Any card used for identification purposes, often issued by government, educational, or workplace authorities.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used interchangeably with 'ID card' in informal contexts. Slightly more formal than the abbreviation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'ID card' is the overwhelmingly common spoken term. 'Identification card' is used in official, legal, or formal written contexts. In the US, 'identification card' appears more frequently in official government and DMV terminology, though 'ID' or 'ID card' is dominant in speech.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'identification card' connotes officialdom and bureaucracy. In UK political discourse post-2006, it can specifically reference the controversial National Identity Card scheme.
Frequency
The phrase 'identification card' is less frequent than 'ID card' in both varieties, but proportionally more common in US officialese.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
present + [object] + identification cardrequire + [object] + identification cardissue + [object] + identification card + to + [recipient]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Required for building access and verifying employee status.
Academic
Used for library access, exam verification, and campus security.
Everyday
Shown when collecting a parcel, entering certain venues, or during police checks.
Technical
In security and IT, refers to a physical token for authentication.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- You must card anyone who looks under 25.
- The bouncer carded me at the entrance.
American English
- They card everyone at the liquor store.
- I got carded buying spray paint.
adjective
British English
- Please bring a card-sized photograph.
- The card reader is broken.
American English
- Do you have a card-format photo?
- The card slot is on the right.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have an identification card with my photo.
- The police officer asked for my identification card.
- You need a valid identification card to board the plane.
- My student identification card gives me a discount.
- The new legislation requires all residents to carry government-issued identification cards.
- The security system only grants access upon scanning a valid identification card.
- The debate centred on the civil liberties implications of a compulsory national identification card.
- Forging an identification card constitutes a serious criminal offence.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'I.D. Card' - I Dentify myself with this Card.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDENTITY IS A DOCUMENT / PROOF IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation 'идентификационная карта' as it sounds overly literal. Use 'удостоверение личности' or 'ID-карта'. 'Паспорт' is specifically a passport, not a general ID card.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'identification' alone to mean the card (e.g., 'I forgot my identification' is possible but ambiguous). Misspelling as 'identfication card'. Using plural 'identifications cards'.
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is the most formal and official synonym for 'identification card'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'ID card' is generally acceptable. 'Identification card' is slightly more formal, but the abbreviation is standard.
A driver's license is a type of identification card that also certifies driving privileges. An identification card serves only to prove identity.
In context, yes (e.g., 'Show me some identification'), but it's ambiguous as 'identification' can also refer to the process. 'ID card' or 'identification card' is clearer.
The standard term is 'identification card'. 'Identifying card' is not idiomatic.