be detected

USAGE SUMMARY

'be detected' is a correct and usable form of written English.
It is generally used to indicate that something can be seen or noticed. For example, "The smell of smoke could be detected coming from the kitchen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We won't be detected.

The New Yorker

How could that be detected?

The New Yorker

Would the helicopters be detected?

The New York Times

Enteritidis could be detected.

Food Control

Thus, the lies to be detected.

The New York Times

New threats will be detected each week.

The New York Times

It can only be detected after death.

The Guardian - Sport

The gluinos can't be detected themselves.

The New York Times - Science

Airbrushing will be detected, and ridiculed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The point is not to be detected.

The Guardian

Your unreadable communication will be detected.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be detected" when you want to emphasize the passive nature of the discovery or observation. For example, "The error can be detected by carefully reviewing the data."

Common error

Avoid using the active voice when the focus should be on the object being discovered rather than the discoverer. Instead of "Someone detected the anomaly", use "The anomaly could be detected".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be detected" functions primarily as a passive construction, indicating the potential for something to be noticed or discovered. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's often used to convey that an object or phenomenon is capable of being identified through observation or analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be detected" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate the potential for something to be noticed or discovered. As Ludwig AI points out, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedia sources. Alternatives such as "be noticed" or "be discovered" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure the passive voice is appropriate and that the focus is on the object being detected. Remembering these suggestions will help ensure you are accurately using "be detected" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be noticed

Focuses more on the act of becoming apparent or visible.

be discovered

Emphasizes the finding or uncovering of something previously unknown.

be identified

Highlights the act of recognizing or distinguishing something specific.

be observed

Implies a careful and attentive watching or monitoring.

be revealed

Suggests that something is made known or visible that was previously hidden.

be uncovered

Similar to "be discovered", but with a sense of removing a covering or obstacle.

be ascertained

Indicates the act of finding something out for certain.

be spotted

Implies a quick or casual noticing.

be determined

Focuses on the act of establishing or deciding something definitively.

be discerned

Suggests perceiving or recognizing something subtle or difficult to detect.

FAQs

How can I use "be detected" in a sentence?

Use "be detected" to indicate that something is capable of being discovered or noticed, as in "The flaw in the design could be detected during testing".

What can I say instead of "be detected"?

You can use alternatives like "be noticed", "be discovered", or "be identified" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was detected" instead of "be detected"?

"Was detected" indicates a past event where something was discovered. "Be detected" suggests a possibility or capability of being discovered. Choose the form that accurately reflects the timing and certainty of the detection.

What's the difference between "be detected" and "detect"?

"Detect" is an active verb indicating the act of discovering something, while "be detected" is a passive construction, indicating that something is capable of being discovered. For example, "Scientists can detect the virus" versus "The virus can be detected by scientists".