going undetected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going undetected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not noticed or observed, often in contexts involving stealth or unnoticed actions. Example: "The hacker managed to infiltrate the system, going undetected for several months before the breach was discovered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Deteriorating patients may be at risk of going undetected during their ED stay and are therefore vulnerable to develop serious adverse events (SAEs).

Resuscitation

However, he believes that relatively few members of the public check their files, and so other intrusions are going undetected.

The Guardian - Money

It said the potential conflict of interest could result in accounting errors and fraud going undetected or covered up.

The Guardian - Business

A two-day hearing disclosed a sequence of events that contributed to the error going undetected and the horse running.

The New York Times - Sports

Ch Insp Martin Sims, head of the NWCU, said that the closure of the unit would lead to the vast majority of wildlife crime going undetected.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, ministers insist that they intend to nurture and protect youngsters' wider learning and that the progress checks will prevent children's needs going undetected.

Independent

Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, the centers' director, said thousands of infections were going undetected each year, providing AIDS an opportunity to make a comeback after it declined sharply in the early and mid-1990's.

The New York Times

Navigating the British health service without the language or confidence to ask the right questions, their interaction with maternity services can be too little or come too late, with complications going undetected.

The Guardian

Witnesses argued that the problems here, which some experts have linked not only to lead pipes, but also to a water purification process, could be going undetected in many cities.

The New York Times

A man assembles a gang for the implementation of a plan that is months in the rehearsal and whose execution rests on a cunning facsimile of midmorning reality going undetected.

The New Yorker

More subtle approaches that use computer viruses or other software tricks could change the results of elections while going undetected, Mr. Rubin said, adding that anything that reduced trust in the system could threaten democratic society.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "going undetected", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. For scenarios involving active avoidance, alternatives like "evading detection" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "going undetected" excessively in passive constructions where an active voice would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "Mistakes were going undetected", consider "Auditors failed to detect mistakes."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going undetected" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe a state or process where something is not being noticed or discovered. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts, affirming its widespread acceptance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "going undetected" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the state of something not being noticed or discovered. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it finds frequent application in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While "remaining unnoticed" offers a similar meaning, the choice between them often depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. To maintain precision in your writing, consider the context and ensure that "going undetected" accurately reflects your intended meaning, opting for more active alternatives where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining unnoticed

Focuses on the state of not being noticed, rather than the act of not being detected.

evading detection

Emphasizes the action of actively avoiding being detected.

passing unnoticed

Highlights the ease with which something is not observed.

escaping notice

Stresses the act of successfully avoiding being noticed.

slipping through the cracks

Suggests a failure of a system that allows something to "go undetected".

not being discovered

Emphasizes the lack of discovery, implying a passive state.

staying hidden

Focuses on the state of being concealed and therefore "going undetected".

avoiding detection

Highlights the active avoidance of being found.

not being observed

Centers on the absence of observation, a more passive perspective.

flying under the radar

Implies inconspicuousness and a deliberate effort to avoid attention.

FAQs

How can I use "going undetected" in a sentence?

You can use "going undetected" to describe a situation where something isn't noticed or discovered. For example: "The flaw in the system allowed the virus to keep going undetected for months."

What's a more formal alternative to "going undetected"?

In formal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "remaining unnoticed" or "evading detection" as alternatives to "going undetected".

What does it mean for something to "go undetected"?

To "go undetected" means that something is not noticed, discovered, or identified. It implies a lack of awareness or observation.

Is there a difference between "going undetected" and "going unnoticed"?

While similar, "going undetected" often suggests a process or system designed to prevent something from being found, whereas "going unnoticed" simply implies a lack of observation without necessarily implying an attempt at concealment.