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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a defect was detected
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a defect was detected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as quality control, technical reports, or any situation where an issue or flaw has been identified. Example: "During the inspection, a defect was detected in the manufacturing process, prompting an immediate review of the production line."
✓ Grammatically correct
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Acta Diabetologica
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DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms
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Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
There are many events that occur in the normal course of business, such as receipt of a customer order, a payment became overdue, a defect was detected, a machine failed, a shift ended.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Such a defect is detected in 5 10% of patients with persistent neonatal diabetes (PND) [ 7, 8].
Science
The nucleolar signal indicative of an export defect was detected in cells carrying the upf3-Triple-HA and upf3-Triple-HA-M10 alleles.
Science
At the bifurcation, a small hole-like defect was detected in the tracheal wall.
Science
Placing our results in a molecular context, the earliest oto forebrain defect was detected at 2 3 somites, when hesx1 expression is reduced in the anterior neurectoderm [33].
Science
Although no specific developmental defect was detected in the immune system of the Smad3 null mice, a functional defect was observed in the ability of TGF-beta to inhibit the proliferation of splenocytes activated by specific stimuli.
Academia
The fascial defect was detected precisely through the laparoscopy, and non-absorbable mesh was placed through a 12-mm trocar.
Science
However, under this short period of inhibition condition, no obvious defect was detected.
Science
No rescue of the motility defect was detected in over 700 transformants from three independent experiments.
Science
Pupils were equal, round and reactive to light, no relative afferent pupillary defect was detected.
The cell migration defect was detected by two independent assays: transwell-based and "wound -healing.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "a defect was detected", specify the nature and location of the defect for clarity. For example: "A software defect was detected in the user authentication module."
Common error
Avoid overusing passive voice constructions like "a defect was detected", which can obscure who discovered the defect. Instead, consider using active voice: "The engineers detected a defect."
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a defect was detected" functions as a passive construction, primarily used to report the discovery of a fault or imperfection. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct. It focuses on the existence of the defect rather than the agent who detected it.
Frequent in
Science
65%
News & Media
12%
Academia
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
7%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "a defect was detected" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to communicate the discovery of a flaw, error, or imperfection. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, consider using the active voice for more direct communication. The phrase is mostly used in scientific, technical, and professional contexts. Alternatives like "a flaw was discovered" or "an error was identified" may suit different tones and situations.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a flaw was discovered
Replaces "defect" with "flaw" and "detected" with "discovered", using synonyms to convey the same meaning.
an error was identified
Substitutes "defect" with "error" and "detected" with "identified", offering a slightly more formal tone.
an issue was found
Replaces "defect" with "issue" and "detected" with "found", making the phrase more general and less technical.
a problem was noted
Replaces "defect" with "problem" and "detected" with "noted", indicating a broader range of potential issues.
a fault was observed
Substitutes "defect" with "fault" and "detected" with "observed", suggesting a careful examination revealed the issue.
an anomaly was registered
Replaces "defect" with "anomaly" and "detected" with "registered", implying a deviation from the norm was recorded.
a deficiency was uncovered
Substitutes "defect" with "deficiency" and "detected" with "uncovered", indicating a lack of something important was found.
an imperfection was revealed
Replaces "defect" with "imperfection" and "detected" with "revealed", softening the tone by focusing on a minor flaw.
a weakness was exposed
Substitutes "defect" with "weakness" and "detected" with "exposed", suggesting a vulnerability was discovered.
a glitch was pinpointed
Replaces "defect" with "glitch" and "detected" with "pinpointed", conveying a more specific and technical issue.
FAQs
What does "a defect was detected" mean?
The phrase "a defect was detected" means that a flaw, fault, or imperfection has been identified or discovered in something.
How can I use "a defect was detected" in a sentence?
You can use "a defect was detected" to report the discovery of a problem. For example, "During quality control, "a defect was detected" in the product's design."
What are some alternatives to "a defect was detected"?
Alternatives include "a flaw was discovered", "an error was identified", or "an issue was found depending on the context.
Is it better to use active or passive voice when reporting a defect?
While ""a defect was detected"" is grammatically correct, using active voice (e.g., "The team detected a defect") can make your writing more direct and engaging.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested