he is detected

USAGE SUMMARY

"he is detected" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that someone or something has been noticed or discovered. Example: "After months of investigation, the spy was finally detected by the authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"A man may feel thoroughly ashamed at having told a small falsehood, without blushing," he wrote, "but if he even suspects that he is detected he will instantly blush, especially if detected by one whom he reveres".

The New Yorker

Jaden then sees a woman using a staff to drain energy from the Jedi Temple, but he is detected and knocked unconscious by the beam.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Two days after a yet unobserved new case develops the earliest signs of a rash, he or she is detected.

BMC Infectious Diseases

He was detected only after he reached Heathrow.

The New York Times

But in May he was detected in Cancún.

The New York Times

He was detected inside the Channel tunnel just over half a mile from the Folkestone terminal.

The Guardian

But he was detected by a plainclothes watchman and turned over to Bosnian Serb authorities and imprisoned.

The New York Times

He was detected, caught, and charged by a federal prosecutor with thirteen felonies; in January of 2013, before his trial, Swartz killed himself.

The New Yorker

The bureau was also humiliated by the arrest of Robert P. Hanssen, a senior F.B.I. agent who admitted to spying for Moscow for more than 15 years before he was detected.

The New York Times

Perhaps it's his face, a handsome arrangement whose default position seems to be set to mild irritation, as though he's detected a bad smell – perhaps the ashes of his burning ambition.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In February, the agency was humiliated by the arrest of Robert P. Hanssen, a senior F.B.I. agent who later admitted to spying for Moscow for more than 15 years before he was detected.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is detected" when you want to emphasize the action of being discovered rather than the person or entity doing the detecting. This is particularly useful in formal or technical writing where objectivity is important.

Common error

Avoid using "he is detected" when "he is deduced" or "he is inferred" is more appropriate. "Detected" implies direct observation or finding, while "deduced" and "inferred" suggest conclusions drawn from evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is detected" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (he) is the recipient of the action (detected). As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. It emphasizes that someone has been noticed or discovered.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is detected" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that indicates someone has been noticed or discovered. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and commonly used. Predominantly found in news, science, and wiki contexts, its register leans towards neutral, making it suitable for objective reporting and formal communication. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "he is discovered" or "he is identified", depending on the intended nuance. When writing, remember that "he is detected" emphasizes the act of being discovered and is best used when objectivity and formality are desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

He is discovered

Emphasis is on the act of finding someone, often implying a deliberate search or investigation.

He is found out

Highlights the exposure of a secret or wrongdoing, suggesting a sense of revelation.

He is identified

Focuses on establishing someone's identity, often in a formal or official context.

He is recognized

Emphasizes the acknowledgement of someone's presence or actions, often publicly.

He is caught

Indicates apprehension, typically implying wrongdoing or an attempt to escape detection.

He is apprehended

Refers to a formal or legal process of arrest, typically by law enforcement.

He is revealed

Suggests the uncovering of someone's true nature or hidden aspects.

He is exposed

Highlights the vulnerability and unveiling of someone's actions, often with negative connotations.

He is pinpointed

Implies precise location or identification, often in a technical or investigative setting.

He is noticed

Simple observation or awareness, often without significant consequence or action.

FAQs

How can I use "he is detected" in a sentence?

Use "he is detected" to indicate that someone or something has been noticed or discovered, often implying a passive role. For instance, "He thought he was invisible, but soon "he was detected" by the security cameras."

What are some alternatives to "he is detected"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "he is discovered", "he is found out", or "he is identified" to convey similar meanings.

Is there a difference between "he is detected" and "he was detected"?

"He is detected" indicates a present or ongoing state of being discovered, whereas ""he was detected"" refers to a past event of being discovered.

In what scenarios is it appropriate to use "he is detected"?

It's suitable in scenarios where the act of detection is significant, such as in security contexts (e.g., "he is detected by the system") or when emphasizing the passive role of the individual being discovered.