hardly detectable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hardly detectable" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is nearly impossible to perceive or detect, such as a faint sound. For example, "The sound of the tiny birds was hardly detectable in the forest."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are hardly detectable with classical SEC.

Polymer

But carbon dioxide has only a very minor, hardly detectable role.

University of California, Berkeley

Still, effects on the microfilariae in the blood were hardly detectable, even at the highest dose.

Acta Tropica

The level of zero amplitude, at which fluctuations are hardly detectable, is 9 to 15 metres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cells depleted of HSF1 formed only small tumors that were hardly detectable and highly fibrotic (Figures 7b d).

Nature

This finding was consistent in all of the experiments, and was even obtained when the acceleration was made hardly detectable.

Vision Research

The response highlighted is cyclic lateral waves that form behind the disk, which were hardly detectable by particle image velocimetry.

Flow Measurement and Instrumentation

These surface chemical consequences are rendered hardly detectable upon further increase of the dopant magnitude to 20%-Ca.

Applied Surface Science

Hardly detectable.

Forbes

Hydroxyapatite is hardly detectable by 1H-MRI in vivo.

EJNMMI Physics

After condensation in the VAS, VP88GFP becomes hardly detectable by fluorescence.

Protein & Cell

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hardly detectable" to describe elements, changes, or signals that are present but at such a low level that they are difficult to measure or perceive. This phrase is particularly useful in scientific and technical writing where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "hardly detectable" when describing feelings or opinions, as it's better suited for objective, measurable scenarios. For example, instead of saying "The difference in her mood was hardly detectable", consider "The change in her mood was subtle" for a more natural expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hardly detectable" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the extent to which something can be detected. Ludwig examples show it quantifying the difficulty of perceiving a signal, substance, or change. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and utility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

88%

News & Media

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hardly detectable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in scientific and technical writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something that is present but extremely difficult to perceive or measure. The phrase functions as an adverbial modifier, conveying minimal presence and precise quantifiability. While primarily found in formal contexts like science and academia, Ludwig's examples demonstrate versatility. For situations demanding alternatives, consider synonyms such as "barely perceptible" or "scarcely noticeable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barely perceptible

Indicates something is almost impossible to notice.

scarcely noticeable

Highlights the difficulty in observing something.

faintly discernible

Suggests a weak or unclear distinction.

virtually imperceptible

Emphasizes that something is practically unnoticeable.

almost unnoticeable

Highlights that something is very close to being missed.

minimally detectable

Emphasizes the small amount or degree of detection.

indistinct

Focuses on the lack of clarity.

elusive

Highlights the difficulty in capturing or perceiving something.

inconspicuous

Focuses on the fact that something does not attract attention and therefore might be missed.

negligible

Emphasizes that something is so small or unimportant it's not worth considering.

FAQs

How can I use "hardly detectable" in a sentence?

You can use "hardly detectable" to describe something that is nearly impossible to perceive or measure. For instance, "The concentration of the contaminant was "hardly detectable" in the sample".

What are some alternatives to "hardly detectable"?

Alternatives include "barely perceptible", "scarcely noticeable", or "faintly discernible". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "hardly detectable" formal or informal?

"Hardly detectable" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for scientific, technical, and professional contexts. It's less common in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "hardly detectable" and "undetectable"?

"Hardly detectable" implies that something is present but at such a low level that it's difficult to measure or perceive, while "undetectable" means that it cannot be detected at all with the available methods. Therefore "undetectable" is more absolute.