detectable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "detectable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that can be discovered or identified through observation or measurement. Example: "The virus was found to be detectable in the patient's blood samples."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though this radiation is too weak to be detected by telescopes, it would be detectable if the LHC did make a tiny black hole.

The Economist

Of course, misery is detectable only in its works, and I manage to grasp something of the sorrow and bedlam that Jade has been through when I glimpse the old photograph of her.

The Guardian

The clipped, melancholic spareness of the Irish playwright J.M. Synge, author of "The Playboy of the Western World", is detectable in Beckett, as are the windswept landscapes of the paintings of Jack Yeats, brother of the poet W.B.Yeats.

The Economist

Early results show that 74% of those taking part have no detectable viral load in their blood, indicating that the drugs are keeping the HI virus at bay and enabling the infected workers to lead pretty normal lives.It is difficult to say that Botswana is lucky.

The Economist

Nor was there any detectable effect due to the socio-economic status of the women involved.

The Economist

That would cause a minute attenuation of the starlight, which would—even if the planet were as small as the earth be detectable through a modestly sized telescope.In this section Who wants to be a genius?

The Economist

For the signature to be strong enough to be detectable in a distant galaxy means that the galaxy in question must have thousands of Wolf-Rayet stars in it.

The Economist

Of course, Burke was a Whig.On Ricardo Caballero's post, Federal Farmer writes:When will "generalized panic risk" be detectable?

The Economist

This puts the material beyond use for bombs (short of a time-consuming, detectable and technically demanding process to turn it back into gas, which can be discounted in the medium term).

The Economist

It analyses how people react to images (photographs of known terrorists, say) which may provoke a detectable physiological response in miscreants.The rub with new technologies is that they tend to hit political hurdles.

The Economist

Calculations suggest that the amount of power absorbed into the ocean from a storm and subsequently detectable as noise is proportional to the cube of the wind speed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "detectable" when you want to emphasize that something can be identified or noticed, either through senses or measurement. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is doing the detecting and the method used, if relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "detectable" in overly abstract contexts where "noticeable" or "apparent" might be more appropriate. "Detectable" often implies a specific method or tool of detection, so ensure that element is present in your writing or at least implied.

Linguistic Context

Detectable functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something is capable of being discovered or identified. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in various contexts, emphasizing its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "detectable" signifies the capacity of something to be noticed or identified. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English. Appearing most frequently in news and media contexts, its function is to describe phenomena that can be observed or measured. While grammatically sound and widely used, the best practice involves ensuring the presence of a method or tool for detection either explicitly stated or implied. Ludwig's analysis highlights its role in conveying precision and objectivity in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

noticeable

This term emphasizes the ease with which something can be observed or perceived.

perceptible

Focuses on the capability of being recognized through the senses or intellect.

measurable

Implies the ability to quantify something, often through scientific instruments or methods.

discernible

Highlights the capability of distinguishing something clearly from its background or surroundings.

identifiable

Emphasizes the ability to establish the identity of something, often through specific characteristics or markers.

observable

Focuses on the ability to witness or view something, often in a scientific context.

ascertainable

Implies the ability to discover something with certainty, often through investigation or analysis.

uncoverable

Suggests the potential for something to be revealed or discovered through effort or investigation.

discoverable

Highlights the potential for something to be found, often implying an element of chance or exploration.

determinable

Emphasizes the ability to establish or decide something definitively, often through calculation or analysis.

FAQs

How can I use "detectable" in a sentence?

The word "detectable" is used to describe something that can be discovered or identified. For example, "The level of radiation was detectable with specialized equipment." or "There was a detectable pause in his speech."

What's a good alternative to "detectable"?

Alternatives include "noticeable", "perceptible", or "measurable", depending on the context. "Noticeable" is suitable when something is easily observed, while "measurable" implies that it can be quantified.

Is it correct to say "easily detectable"?

Yes, "easily detectable" is a correct and common usage. It emphasizes that something can be found or identified without much difficulty. For instance, "The error was easily detectable in the code."

What is the opposite of "detectable"?

The opposite of "detectable" is "undetectable", meaning something that cannot be discovered or identified. For example, "The new stealth technology makes the aircraft undetectable by radar."