can detect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can detect" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that something is capable of perceiving or noticing something else. For example: - The new security system can detect any movement in the building. - Dogs have a strong sense of smell and can detect even the slightest trace of drugs. - The device can detect changes in air pressure and predict weather patterns. - The software can detect potential errors before they occur. - With improved technology, doctors can now detect illnesses at earlier stages.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They can detect earthquakes".

The New York Times

I can detect edges.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Neither can detect plastic explosives.

The New York Times

ROBINS, it seems, can detect radio waves.

The Economist

Still others can detect cries for help.

The New York Times - Tech

They can detect colorectal cancer early.

The New York Times - Health

Usually, you can detect the pander.

The New Yorker

It can detect sources of carbon dioxide.

The New York Times - Magazine

Comprehend can detect sentiment in text.

MIT Technology Review

Distributed teams can detect half-hearted commitment.

Harvard Business Review

ARMORY can detect unknown PBODs.

Computers & Electrical Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system's capabilities, use "can detect" to clearly and concisely state its ability to identify specific elements or changes.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the reliability of detection. Instead of saying "can always detect", use qualifiers like "can often detect" or "can reliably detect under optimal conditions" to ensure accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can detect" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating capability or possibility. It specifies the ability to perceive or identify something, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples where dogs "can detect" earthquakes and software "can detect" changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can detect" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating the ability to identify or sense something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application across numerous contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse fields, from news reporting to scientific research. While alternatives like "is able to identify" exist, "can detect" offers conciseness and clarity. Remember to avoid overstating detection accuracy and to use qualifiers when necessary. This phrase appears most often in "News & Media" and "Science", reflecting its importance in conveying factual capabilities and functionalities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to identify

Replaces "can detect" with a more formal tone using "is able to" and "identify".

is equipped to recognize

Suggests that something has the necessary tools or features to identify something else.

has the ability to sense

Emphasizes the capacity to perceive, particularly applicable in contexts involving sensory input.

allows for identification of

Highlights that it creates the possibility for something to be identified.

is designed for recognition

Implies that the primary function is to detect or identify.

is capable of discerning

Highlights the ability to distinguish or differentiate, often used when precision is important.

is known to distinguish

Focuses on the established ability to differentiate between things.

manages to identify

Conveys a sense of accomplishment in spotting or recognizing something, suggesting a degree of difficulty.

proves able to spot

Similar to "manages to identify", but focuses on the visual aspect of detection.

has the power to discover

Highlights the capability to find or uncover something, suitable when something is hidden or not obvious.

FAQs

How can I use "can detect" in a sentence?

Use "can detect" to describe the ability of a device, system, or organism to identify or sense something. For example, "The sensor "can detect motion"".

What are some alternatives to "can detect"?

Alternatives include "is able to identify", "has the ability to sense", or "is capable of discerning", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "can detects" instead of "can detect"?

No, "can detects" is grammatically incorrect. The modal verb "can" is always followed by the base form of the verb, which is "detect".

What is the difference between "can detect" and "is able to detect"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning, "can detect" is generally more concise and direct. "Is able to detect" might be used for emphasis or in more formal contexts.