has been detecting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been detecting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action or process that started in the past and continues into the present, often in contexts related to monitoring or observation. Example: "The system has been detecting unusual activity on the network for several days now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

And at the Winter Garden, Judy Kaye, a star of the silly, buoyant new musical "Mamma Mia!," has been detecting in the crowds a depth of need she never before experienced, a desire to be taken out of themselves that borders on desperation.

The New York Times

Like all Kundera's men, he is a slightly creepy character, cerebral to the point of bloodlessness yet an enthusiastic and even, in the later stages of the book, a maniacally dedicated womaniser - Tereza realises he is betraying her when she identifies the odd odour she has been detecting on his hair in bed every night as the smell of his many mistresses' groins.

The Guardian - Books

Since launch, on 2004 November 20, Swift has been detecting GRBs at a rate of about 100 per year.

Journal of High Energy Astrophysics

But the good news, and the study's main finding, is that ERC has been detecting and rewarding excellence in each of the career choreographies.

Science Magazine

Aerosol technology has been detecting and characterizing nanoparticles for decades and some of their developments can be of use in nanotechnology characterization.

Science of The Total Environment

Around 12 years after the start of the previous Tokai slow slip, GEONET has been detecting a similar transient signal in the Tokai region since early 2013, which is mixed with the postseismic deformation due to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake.

Earth, Planets and Space

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

No fracture has been detected.

The New York Times - Sports

Parasite resistance to artemisinin has been detected in Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Thailand and Vietnam.

The Guardian

No contamination has been detected since early April, F.D.A. officials said.

The New York Times

Many of the sites where the fungus has been detected have no connection with imported trees.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It can be said with confidence that no sought-for signal has been detected yet".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been detecting" to describe ongoing processes of observation or identification that started in the past and continue to the present.

Common error

Avoid using "has been detecting" when describing a single, completed action in the past. Use the simple past tense ("detected") instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been detecting" functions as a present perfect continuous verb phrase. It indicates an action that started in the past and continues to the present, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the detection. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been detecting" is a grammatically sound present perfect continuous verb phrase used to describe ongoing processes of observation or identification that started in the past and continue to the present. As Ludwig AI indicates, its primary function is to inform about continuous monitoring. While it appears more frequently in scientific and news contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. Alternatives such as "has identified" or "has observed" can be used depending on the specific emphasis required. Using "has been detecting" accurately ensures clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been observing

Highlights the continuous action of watching and noting details over a period of time.

is detecting

Shifts the focus to the present moment of detecting.

has observed

Emphasizes the act of watching and noticing something.

has monitored

Highlights the continuous observation of something over time.

has identified

Focuses on the completed action of recognizing or identifying something.

is observing

Highlights the present moment of observing.

is identifying

Highlights the present moment of identifying.

has been noticing

Emphasizes an ongoing process of gradually becoming aware.

has noticed

Implies a casual or unintentional observation.

has discovered

Suggests finding something new or previously unknown.

FAQs

How do I use "has been detecting" in a sentence?

Use "has been detecting" to describe an ongoing process of observation or identification that started in the past and continues into the present. For example, "The system "has been detecting" unusual network activity."

What are some alternatives to "has been detecting"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "has identified", "has observed", or "has monitored". Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the observation process.

Is it correct to say "is detecting" instead of "has been detecting"?

While both are grammatically correct, "is detecting" focuses on the present moment, whereas "has been detecting" emphasizes an ongoing process that started in the past. Choose the tense that best fits the context of your sentence.

What is the difference between "has been detecting" and "detected"?

"Has been detecting" describes a continuous action that started in the past and is still ongoing, while "detected" refers to a completed action in the past. For example, "The sensor "has been detecting" changes in temperature" versus "The sensor "detected" a sudden spike yesterday".