have been detected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been detected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been discovered or identified, typically in a passive construction. Example: "Several anomalies have been detected in the data analysis, prompting further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This should have been detected".

Independent

Microscopic inclusions also have been detected.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No organic molecules have been detected.

The New York Times - Science

Since then, no further cases have been detected.

The Guardian

Probably anyone carrying a bomb would have been detected.

The New York Times

No signs of bacteria, poisons or viruses have been detected.

The New York Times

Few chaotic zones have been detected numerically and confirmed experimentally.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Various autoantibodies have been detected in preeclamptic patients.

Pregnancy Hypertension

Folding intermediates have been detected and characterized for many proteins.

Journal of Molecular Biology

No cross-sensitivities to humidity have been detected.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

The three drugs have been detected at 205 nm.

Journal of Chromatography A

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been detected" when you want to emphasize the passive nature of the discovery or identification. This is particularly useful in scientific or formal contexts where the focus is on the finding rather than the finder.

Common error

Avoid using active voice when passive voice is more appropriate. For example, instead of "Scientists have detected radiation", use "Radiation levels "have been detected"" to emphasize the radiation itself.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "have been detected" is to act as a passive voice verb phrase, indicating that something has been found or identified. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct. Examples show it used across a range of contexts from news to science.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been detected" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that conveys the discovery or identification of something. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it is suitable for diverse contexts, especially within news, science, and encyclopedic content. When writing, remember to use it when emphasizing the object or substance discovered, rather than the agent doing the detecting. Consider alternatives like "have been identified" or "have been discovered" to add variety to your writing. This phrase is a valuable tool for precise and formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been identified

Focuses on the act of recognizing or classifying something previously unknown.

have been discovered

Implies finding something new or previously hidden.

have been found

A more general term for locating something, whether intentionally or accidentally.

have been noticed

Emphasizes the act of becoming aware of something.

have been observed

Suggests a careful and deliberate act of watching and noting something.

have been ascertained

Highlights the establishment of something as definitely true or factual.

have been revealed

Implies something was previously hidden or unknown and has now been made public.

were spotted

Informal way to indicate something was seen or found.

have come to light

Suggests information has emerged or become known, often unexpectedly.

have been uncovered

Implies the exposure of something previously concealed or unknown through investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "have been detected" in a sentence?

Use "have been detected" to indicate that something has been discovered or identified. For example: "Several anomalies "have been detected" in the data analysis".

What are some alternatives to "have been detected"?

You can use alternatives like "have been identified", "have been discovered", or "have been found", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "have been detected" and "have been discovered"?

"Have been detected" generally implies using a specific method or instrument to find something, whereas "have been discovered" suggests a more general finding, potentially accidental. Both "have been identified" and "have been found" can be used based on context as well.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "have been detected"?

The phrase "have been detected" is inherently passive. If you want to emphasize the object of detection, using the passive voice is appropriate. If you want to emphasize the detector, use active voice with a different verb, such as "Scientists detected...".