cannot be detected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be detected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is not able to be found, identified, or observed, often in scientific or technical discussions. Example: "The virus cannot be detected using standard testing methods, which complicates diagnosis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These cannot be detected using traditional seismometers.

The Guardian

It cannot be detected by standard urine tests.

The New York Times - Sports

H.G.H. cannot be detected in current urine tests.

The New York Times

I have postulated a particle that cannot be detected".

The Guardian

"Experts that say PETN cannot be detected are wrong.

The Guardian

Thus, such references cannot be detected using patterns.

Cornell University

Participation of dications in their consecutive reactions cannot be detected.

Electrochimica Acta

Subtle changes cannot be detected when p-values are implemented.

Behavioural Processes

Nevertheless, continuity and weathering in-fill cannot be detected.

Engineering Geology

However, we found that most heterozygous females cannot be detected.

Molecular Genetics and Metabolism

The researchers said that though such differences are large, they cannot be detected without complex analysis.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be detected", specify the method or instrument that fails to detect it to provide context and clarity. For instance, "the tumor cannot be detected by X-ray".

Common error

Avoid stating that something "cannot be detected" without specifying the limitations of the method. Instead of saying "the anomaly cannot be detected", it is more precise to say "the anomaly "cannot be detected using" current scanning technology".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be detected" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating the inability to find or observe something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples demonstrate its usage in scientific and technical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

30%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be detected" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that indicates something is impossible to find or observe. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, it is most common in scientific, news, and academic contexts. For clarity, it's best to specify the limitations of the detection method or instrument being discussed, which can be done with alternatives such as "is undetectable" or "is not observable". Avoid overgeneralizing the phrase. Ludwig's analysis also shows that this phrase is commonly found in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is undetectable

Replaces the passive verb construction with a single adjective, making it more concise.

is not observable

Substitutes "detected" with "observable", focusing on visual observation as the method of detection.

cannot be identified

Indicates an inability to specify what something is.

evades detection

Emphasizes the action of something actively avoiding being found.

is imperceptible

Focuses on the inability to perceive something, either through senses or instruments.

escapes notice

Highlights that something isn't being noted or observed.

remains unnoticed

Implies something exists but hasn't been noticed.

is unnoticeable

Emphasizes that something does not attract any attention.

is beyond the scope of detection

Highlights limitations of detection methods.

is beyond reach

Suggests that something cannot be achieved.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be detected" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be detected" to describe something that is impossible to find or observe, particularly due to technological or methodological limitations. For example, "Subtle changes in the data "cannot be detected" without complex analysis."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be detected"?

You can use alternatives like "is undetectable", "is not observable", or "escapes notice" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always accurate to say something "cannot be detected"?

No, it's essential to specify the limitations. It is more accurate to say something "cannot be detected by" a particular method rather than making a blanket statement.

What does "cannot be detected" imply about the object or phenomenon?

It suggests that the object or phenomenon either lacks the properties that the detection method relies on, or it's too small, faint, or obscured to be registered by the method. For example, "Because it sends out no signals on its own, it "cannot be detected" by outsiders".