can serve as a sensor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can serve as a sensor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an object or device that has the capability to detect or measure certain conditions or changes in the environment. Example: "The new smartphone model can serve as a sensor for monitoring air quality in urban areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This material can serve as a sensor material for hydrogen at levels from 0.5 to 1% in synthetic air.

Electrochimica Acta

(4) An actor can serve as a sensor as well.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

The wire tip or the gas nozzle can serve as a sensor.

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

In summary, our data indicate that the nucleus of an EC can serve as a sensor of the strength and direction of blood flow.

Biology Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

These results reveal that the PN-CDs can serve as a sensitive sensor for rapid imaging of ROS and RNS signaling with high selectivity and contrast.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

The chloropropyl-group functionalized mesoporous SBA-15 that was prepared in one-pot synthesis can serve as a suitable sensor scaffold because it can supply the especially flexible and electron-rich inner surface to avoid the self-quenching of fluorescent chromophore, and TEM.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

The mTFP variant, named NiTrac1c (control), therefore can serve as a control sensor for in vivo measurements.

eLife

The discussions in this paper can be generalized to any droplet detection application and can serve as a guideline in sensor selection.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

The results demonstrate that L can serve as a ratiometric fluorescent sensor for relay recognition of Zn2+ and S2− in water at physiological pH.

Journal of Luminescence

The results from a range of experiments demonstrated that complex 1a was noncytotoxic under the conditions used for confocal imaging, showed facile cellular uptake, and can serve as a phosphorogenic intracellular sensor for biothiols including glutathione (GSH) and hydrogen sulfide.

Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry

P2 can serve as a "turn-off" fluorescent sensor toward Cu2+ and Ni2+.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "can serve as a sensor", clearly define what specific conditions or changes the entity is capable of detecting. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stating that something "can serve as a sensor" without specifying the scope of its sensing abilities. For example, don't just say "this device can serve as a sensor"; instead, specify "this device can serve as a sensor for temperature and humidity levels."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can serve as a sensor" functions primarily to describe the potential or capability of an entity to perform a sensing function. Ludwig provides examples in science and technology where specific materials or components are described as having the ability to detect or measure certain phenomena.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can serve as a sensor" is used to denote the potential or capability of something to detect or measure specific phenomena. Predominantly found in scientific and technical contexts, as shown in Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and indicates a formal and precise style. While its frequency is relatively low, its usage is consistent within its domain. When employing this phrase, it is essential to clearly define the specific sensing capabilities to avoid ambiguity. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can act as a detector

Replaces "serve" with "act", and "sensor" with "detector", focusing on the detection aspect.

can function as a sensing element

Substitutes "serve" with "function" and rephrases "sensor" as "sensing element", highlighting the functional role.

can be used for detection

Shifts the focus to the application of detection rather than the component itself.

can be employed as a monitor

Replaces "serve" with "employ" and "sensor" with "monitor", emphasizing the monitoring capability.

can operate as a sensing device

Changes "serve" to "operate" and "sensor" to "sensing device", focusing on operational functionality.

is capable of sensing

Emphasizes the inherent capability of sensing, removing the "serve as" structure.

can provide sensing capabilities

Focuses on the provision of sensing capabilities rather than the direct function.

can offer detection functionality

Highlights the availability of detection functionality.

can be adapted to sense

Implies a modification or adaptation to perform sensing.

is able to detect

Simplifies the phrase to its core meaning of detection capability.

FAQs

What does "can serve as a sensor" mean?

It means something has the ability or potential to detect or measure specific stimuli, conditions, or changes in its environment. It implies that the object or system is not just passively present, but actively gathers information about its surroundings.

What are some alternatives to "can serve as a sensor"?

You could use phrases like "can act as a detector", "can function as a sensing element", or "can be used for detection", depending on the context.

How do I use "can serve as a sensor" in a sentence?

For example, "The modified graphene material can serve as a sensor for detecting specific gases" or "The cell's nucleus can serve as a sensor of blood flow strength and direction."

Is it appropriate to use "can serve as a sensor" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, especially in scientific, technical, and academic contexts. However, ensure that the context is clear and the sensing capabilities are well-defined. In more informal settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred.