as soon as you detect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as soon as you detect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action should be taken immediately after a detection or realization occurs. Example: "As soon as you detect any unusual activity, please report it to your supervisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But as soon as you detect a theme, it's gone.

The Guardian - Arts

The tricky thing about measuring a polling bounce, which  can occur after a candidate performs well in Iowa or another early-voting state, is that it can begin to deflate just as soon as you detect it.

The New York Times

Your task will be to press on the response button as soon as you detect this target (the target is shown to the subjects).

Plosone

As soon as you detect the release of riot control agents move away as quickly and directly as possible.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We can actually detect what object you're grasping as soon as you grasp, and we can detect whether you're in the car, in the kitchen…".

TechCrunch

Also refrain from sounding angry, as your parents will just shut you out as soon as they detect that you are getting upset.

WikiHow

As soon as we detect ads that violate our advertising policies, we remove them". EIA says that they wrote to Google on 22 February to inform them of the problem but they have received no response as yet.

BBC

Thus, if the decoder can terminate the decoding iterations as soon as it detect the convergence, the power of the circuit can be reduced as well as the decoding delay.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Although cloning can take hours and has yet to be observed in the wild, it could be an effective strategy because the larvae begin to split as soon as they detect fish mucus in the water.

Science Magazine

So after a few trials where the scent of the odour is followed closely by a sweet drop of liquid, the bees stick out their tongues as soon as they detect the scent.

BBC

Conidia, which are asexual spores, can remain viable for over a year and they begin to germinate as soon as they detect suitable environmental conditions [ 1].

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as soon as you detect" to clearly indicate that an action should follow immediately after the moment of detection. This provides a sense of urgency and clarity in instructions or guidelines.

Common error

While it's grammatically correct, try not to needlessly lengthen the sentence by adding redundant phrases after "as soon as you detect". Keep the instruction concise and direct for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as soon as you detect" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when an action should occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as soon as you detect" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that functions as an adverbial clause of time. According to Ludwig AI, its meaning is clear and unambiguous, expressing a need for immediate action upon detection. While versatile, it is most frequently encountered in news, science and instructional writing. When using this phrase, ensure the subsequent instruction is concise and logically linked to the act of detection. Consider alternative phrasings, if a less formal tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediately upon detecting

Replaces "as soon as" with "immediately upon", emphasizing the instantaneous nature of the action following detection.

the moment you notice

Substitutes "detect" with "notice", making the phrase slightly less formal and focusing on observation.

once you identify

Emphasizes identification rather than general detection, implying a more specific recognition process.

the instant you recognize

Highlights the immediate reaction to recognition, replacing "detect" with a more cognitive verb.

on first noticing

Focuses on the initial act of noticing, implying a prompt response to the first sign of something.

upon your discovery of

Formalizes the phrase, replacing "detect" with "discovery of" and using a more formal tone.

when you become aware of

Shifts the focus to becoming aware, suggesting a gradual realization rather than an immediate detection.

the second you find

Emphasizes the swiftness of action once something is found, using a more colloquial tone.

right when you perceive

Replaces "detect" with "perceive", suggesting a sensory awareness of something.

at the first sign of

Indicates that the action should be taken at the very first indication that something may be happening or is present.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "as soon as you detect"?

You can use alternatives like "immediately upon detecting", "the moment you notice", or "once you identify" depending on the specific context.

Is it ever wrong to use "as soon as you detect"?

No, the phrase "as soon as you detect" is grammatically correct. However, ensure the following action is logical and clearly connected to the detection for effective communication. Also, be aware that it might sound too formal in extremely informal scenarios.

How does "as soon as you detect" differ from "if you detect"?

"As soon as you detect" implies immediacy and a direct response following detection, while "if you detect" simply sets a condition for a potential action, without the same sense of urgency. Use "as soon as" when a prompt reaction is necessary.

Can "as soon as you detect" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, but it leans towards a slightly more formal tone. In very casual settings, consider using alternatives like "the moment you see" or "right when you notice" for a more relaxed feel.