are undetectable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are undetectable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be detected or identified, often in scientific or technical contexts. Example: "The new stealth technology ensures that the aircraft are undetectable by radar systems."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They will argue that Bonds has avoided failing tests only because some steroids are undetectable.

The New York Times - Sports

Figs reappear among the desserts ($5), although they are undetectable in the fig clafoutis.

The New York Times - Food

Below the 62 1 cellular ratio, most bacterial peptides are undetectable within a DDA experiment.

Nature

Further, SoNIC enables timing channels with nano-second modulations that are undetectable in software.

Cornell University

Regardless of the quest for the flyby anomaly, all such effects are undetectable.

Advances in Space Research

They often involve multiple anti-tampering mechanisms and triggers that are undetectable to metal detectors, the officials said.

The Washington Post

In these exceptional cases, G1 and G2 are undetectable, and mitosis alternates with DNA synthesis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A sample injected into a chromatographic system can generate extra peaks, called "system peaks", which in general are undetectable.

TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry

Kidd's instinctive passes are undetectable to anyone but his teammates, and his talent has helped generate the Nets' success this season.

The New York Times - Sports

But the technology, which allows gear changes that are undetectable to drivers, has been improving lately for use on larger vehicles.

The New York Times

The aim of this work was to describe the emergent microbiological water contaminants that are undetectable using classical approaches (e.g. culture based methods).

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scientific results, use "are undetectable" to accurately represent that a substance or phenomenon could not be measured with current methods.

Common error

Avoid using "are undetectable" to imply absolute absence. It only means the method used couldn't detect it, not that it doesn't exist. Instead use it to indicate the limits of the specific detection method used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are undetectable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a state of being impossible to detect. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase follows standard grammar rules and is appropriate for describing things that can't be identified or measured.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are undetectable" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, particularly in scientific and news contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a state where something cannot be detected by available means. While seemingly straightforward, it's crucial to avoid overstating conclusions and implying absolute absence, instead emphasizing the limits of the detection method. Alternatives like "cannot be detected" or "imperceptible" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undetected

A simpler, single-word alternative with the same meaning.

cannot be detected

Replaces the adjective with a verb phrase, focusing on the action of detection.

cannot be perceived

Focuses on the inability to be perceived through any of the senses.

imperceptible

Uses a single adjective to convey the lack of perceptibility.

unnoticeable

Highlights the lack of being noticed or observed.

invisible

Emphasizes the lack of visibility, making it impossible to see.

not visible

Directly states the absence of visibility.

beyond detection

Focuses on exceeding the limits of detection capabilities.

escape notice

Highlights the act of evading observation or attention.

go unnoticed

Similar to 'escape notice', but emphasizes the state of not being noticed.

FAQs

How can I use "are undetectable" in a sentence?

You can use "are undetectable" to describe something that cannot be detected by current methods or instruments. For example, "The levels of the virus in her blood "are undetectable" after treatment."

What are some alternatives to saying "are undetectable"?

Alternatives include "cannot be detected", "imperceptible", or "unnoticeable" depending on the context. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of not being perceived.

Is it appropriate to use "are undetectable" in formal writing?

Yes, "are undetectable" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific and technical contexts where precise language is important. Its use indicates that something is not measurable or observable with the available tools or methods.

What does it mean when something "are undetectable" in a scientific study?

In a scientific study, if something "are undetectable", it means that the quantity or presence of that thing is below the detection limit of the measurement technique used. This doesn't necessarily mean it is absent, but rather that it cannot be reliably measured with the given methods.