discovered to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"discovered to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a discovery or revelation that has been made. For example: It was discovered to be the oldest archaeological site in the region.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Recently, propranolol was discovered to be an effective treatment option.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

The GRBs were eventually discovered to be exploding stars.

The Guardian

After the catalyst screening, zinc acetate dihydrate was discovered to be the best catalyst.

Polymer

The ultrafine lamellar structure was discovered to be thermally stable at temperatures up to 600 °C.

Intermetallics

Serotonin has recently been discovered to be a novel and important player in bone metabolism.

Archives of Oral Biology

In the meantime, several kinds of projective geometries are discovered to be Kripke frames in disguise.

Stanford University

68, report of a suspicious package, discovered to be cotton swabbing; Bldg.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In the first place, he was discovered to be a paid hunter after wealth and youth.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He missed two scheduled title defenses against Carwin with what was eventually discovered to be diverticulitis.

The New York Times - Sports

But a country's wealth, on the other hand, was discovered to be an important factor.

The Economist

The pastor was discovered to be having multiple affairs with women in the congregation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "discovered to be" when you want to emphasize the process of finding something out, rather than simply stating a fact. For example, "The treatment was discovered to be effective after extensive trials."

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "discovered to be" can lead to passive voice. Opt for more active constructions when possible. For example, instead of "The error was discovered to be a typo", consider "Researchers discovered a typo."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discovered to be" functions as a verb phrase that indicates a finding or revelation. It often connects a subject with a characteristic or state that was previously unknown or not fully understood. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in academic, scientific, and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

29%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "discovered to be" is a versatile verb phrase used to convey that something has been found or revealed through a process of investigation or observation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, primarily in science, news, and academic writing. Although common, careful attention should be paid to avoid passive voice overuse and to select the most appropriate alternative when a more active voice would enhance clarity. With a neutral-to-formal register, "discovered to be" is a valuable tool for precise and objective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Found to be

This is a more direct and simpler alternative, focusing on the act of finding.

Revealed to be

This emphasizes the uncovering of something previously hidden or unknown.

Turned out to be

This suggests a result or outcome that was not initially expected.

Proved to be

This indicates that something has been confirmed or validated through evidence.

Established to be

This implies a more formal or official confirmation of a fact.

Determined to be

This suggests a careful or methodical process of finding something out.

Identified as

This focuses on the act of recognizing and naming something.

Recognized as

This emphasizes the acknowledgement or acceptance of something's true nature.

Ascertained to be

Implies a careful and thorough investigation to confirm the truth.

Uncovered to be

Focuses on the act of discovering something that was previously concealed or hidden.

FAQs

How can I use "discovered to be" in a sentence?

You can use "discovered to be" to indicate that something was found or learned through investigation or experience. For example, "The substance was discovered to be highly toxic".

What are some alternatives to "discovered to be"?

Alternatives include "found to be", "revealed to be", or "turned out to be", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always better to replace "discovered to be" with a more active voice?

Not always. While active voice is often preferred for clarity and conciseness, "discovered to be" is appropriate when the process of discovery is important, or when the actor is unknown or unimportant.

What's the difference between "discovered to be" and "found to be"?

"Discovered to be" often implies a more complex or intentional process of finding something out, while "found to be" can be a more general statement of discovery.