binding sites were found

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "binding sites were found" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in scientific or research contexts, particularly in biology or chemistry, to indicate that specific locations for binding have been identified. Example: "In our study, several binding sites were found on the protein structure, suggesting potential interaction points for drug design."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(B) A conserved SigB binding sites were found from 29 TSSs (p-value of 1.51 × 10−8).

Nature

Many binding sites were found to shift dramatically between embryos and starved larvae, from developmentally regulated genes to genes involved in metabolism.

Harvard University

All these binding sites were found within regulatory regions including upstream of promoters, promoters, and 5′-proximal to coding regions (Supplementary Table 1).

Nature

According to secondary structure prediction, 36 new possible protein binding sites were found and another 9 sites were lost, 2 helices were missed and 1 new helix appeared in type I isolates.

Infection, Genetics and Evolution

Four putative Egr-1 and seven E2F factor binding sites were found (See Figure S1).

Plosone

On the other hand, less than 100 promoter binding sites were found in cells prior to H2O2 treatment.

Plosone

The RKIP ligands identified in this work all bound to the conserved pocket, and no other binding sites were found.

Plosone

Between one and six Tra2-ISS binding sites were found in intron is1 in all species (Fig. 5).

Plosone

No other transcription factor binding sites were found to be statistically over-represented, including those for Sp1, NF-κB, and TFIID.

Plosone

A couple SRp40 binding sites were found within the EDB exon and the downstream intron, while PTB sites were identified upstream of the alternative exon.

Plosone

In addition, many putative transcription factor binding sites were found in each of the putative promoter regions (Fig. 3B and C).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting scientific findings, use active voice constructions like "Researchers found binding sites" for clearer and more direct communication. This enhances readability and emphasizes the researchers' role in the discovery.

Common error

Avoid overly passive constructions that obscure the agent of discovery. Instead of just stating "binding sites were found", specify who found them to enhance clarity and accountability. For example, "Our team found binding sites…" is stronger.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "binding sites were found" primarily functions as a statement of discovery in scientific or technical contexts. Ludwig's examples show it's used to report the identification of specific locations where molecules can interact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "binding sites were found" is a common and grammatically correct expression, primarily used in scientific literature to report the discovery of molecular interaction points. As Ludwig AI confirms, its main function is to communicate research outcomes, informing the audience about the identification of specific binding locations. The register is formal and scientific, which makes it ideal for technical reports and scholarly articles. While the phrase is perfectly acceptable, consider using alternatives like "binding sites were identified" for a slightly more sophisticated tone. Remember to use the active voice when possible to provide clarity about who made the discovery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

binding sites were identified

Replaces "found" with a more formal and precise term, "identified", often used in scientific contexts.

binding sites were detected

Substitutes "found" with "detected", emphasizing the act of discovering the binding sites through specific methods or instruments.

binding sites were located

Replaces "found" with "located", focusing on the physical placement or position of the binding sites.

binding sites were discovered

Uses "discovered" instead of "found", suggesting a more significant or unexpected finding.

binding sites have been found

Changes the tense to present perfect, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of the finding.

the presence of binding sites was confirmed

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the confirmation of the binding sites' existence.

binding sites were revealed

Replaces "found" with "revealed", implying that the binding sites were previously hidden or unknown.

binding sites were observed

Substitutes "found" with "observed", highlighting the act of watching or noticing the binding sites.

the existence of binding sites was established

Rephrases to emphasize that the binding sites' existence has been proven or determined.

binding sites were ascertained

Uses "ascertained" in place of "found", suggesting the binding sites were determined with certainty after investigation.

FAQs

What is an alternative to using the phrase "binding sites were found"?

Alternatives include "binding sites were identified", "binding sites were detected", or "binding sites were located", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when saying "binding sites were found"?

While "binding sites were found" is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "Researchers found binding sites") can make your writing more direct and easier to understand.

In scientific writing, is "binding sites were found" considered formal enough?

Yes, the phrase is suitable for scientific writing. However, consider using synonyms like "binding sites were identified" for a more sophisticated tone.

What does it mean when scientists say "binding sites were found"?

It means that during their research, scientists discovered specific locations on a molecule (like a protein or DNA) where other molecules can attach or bind.