a sensor that reads

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sensor that reads" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a type of sensor that has the capability to interpret or gather data from its environment. Example: "The device is equipped with a sensor that reads temperature fluctuations to ensure optimal performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The Defcon Authenticator, which works on portable and desktop computers, comes with a sensor that reads fingerprints.

The New York Times - Tech

Peckham implants a sensor that reads the electrical signals from one of these muscles, usually in the neck or forearm.

Forbes

Specific activation of a particular signaling cascade may depend on a sensor that reads the spatio-temporal average of intracellular calcium in the entire spine.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The vision chip, built by Reid Harrison at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, is a "pixellated" light sensor that reads an image using an array of individual cells, with additional circuitry built locally into each cell to process the incoming signals.

The Economist

It consists of a headset (which I'm guessing most dogs would have to become acclimated to wearing) with an EEG sensor that reads your dog's brainwaves and, via micro-computing and special software, translates them into human speech.

Huffington Post

Canon's iFCL metering includes a 63-zone dual-layer metering sensor that reads both illumination and color for consistent results in all lighting conditions, keeping exposure levels stable from shot to shot, even as the light source changes.

TechCrunch

The AFC effect is already used in the manufacture of the tiny magnetic sensor that reads data from a rotating disk by sensing minute changes in magnetic field strength that are represented by digital ones and zeros in computer language.

The New York Times

Barriers at many Tube stations were left open and no payment was required on buses because of a fault with sensors that read Oyster and contactless payment cards.

Independent

It's a special form of headgear, packed with sensors that read the brain waves of athletes after they come off the field, thus detecting changes caused by the trauma of hard knocks.

The New York Times

The Microsoft patent details a "unique monitoring system" that includes wireless sensors that read "heart rate, galvanic skin response, EMG, brain signals, respiration rate, body temperature, movement facial movements, facial expressions and blood pressure".

TechCrunch

In the works at Rochester are a mirror that checks for signs of skin cancer and "pillowcases" with sensors that read nocturnal breathing rhythms.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sensors, be specific about what the sensor is reading (e.g., "a temperature sensor that reads ambient temperature").

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "a sensor that reads" without specifying what the sensor is actually reading. For example, instead of saying "the device has a sensor that reads", specify "the device has a sensor that reads heart rate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensor that reads" functions as a noun phrase that describes a sensor's capability. As Ludwig AI explains, it is usable in written English, particularly when defining or explaining a device or system's functionality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sensor that reads" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a sensor's function of detecting and interpreting data. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in various contexts, especially when specifying the data type the sensor processes. The phrase appears frequently in "News & Media" and "Science", indicating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, it's important to specify what the sensor is reading to provide clarity and avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "a sensor that detects", "a sensor that measures", or "a sensor that monitors", each offering a subtly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sensor that detects

Focuses on the sensor's ability to identify the presence of something rather than specifically 'reading' it.

a sensor that measures

Highlights the quantitative aspect of the sensor's function, emphasizing measurement over general reading.

a sensor that monitors

Implies continuous observation and data collection by the sensor.

a sensor that interprets

Emphasizes the sensor's capacity to understand and make sense of the data it gathers.

a sensor that captures

Focuses on the sensor's ability to acquire or record data.

a sensor that analyzes

Highlights the sensor's capacity to process collected data for insights.

a sensor that registers

Indicates that the sensor records or notes the presence of something.

a sensor that processes

Focuses on the transformation of raw data into a usable format.

a sensor that recognizes

Highlights the sensor's ability to identify specific patterns or signals.

a sensor that gauges

Specifies the sensor's function to estimate or determine a particular attribute.

FAQs

What does it mean for a sensor to "read" something?

When a sensor "reads" something, it means that it detects and measures a specific type of input, such as light, temperature, pressure, or electrical signals. This information is then converted into data that can be interpreted by a system.

What are some alternatives to "a sensor that reads"?

You can use alternatives like "a sensor that detects", "a sensor that measures", or "a sensor that monitors" depending on the specific function you wish to highlight.

How do I specify what kind of data a sensor is reading?

To specify the type of data, follow the phrase "a sensor that reads" with the specific parameter being measured, such as "a sensor that reads temperature", "a sensor that reads pressure", or "a sensor that reads brainwaves".

Is it incorrect to use "a sensor that reads" in technical writing?

No, it's not incorrect. The phrase "a sensor that reads" is perfectly acceptable in technical writing as long as the context clearly specifies what the sensor is reading. It's a straightforward and easily understandable way to describe the function of a sensor.