is able to detect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is able to detect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the capability of a system, device, or individual to identify or recognize something. Example: "The new software is able to detect anomalies in the data, ensuring accuracy in the analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neither strategy is able to detect all errors.

The American Journal of Human Genetics

"Our sensor is able to detect much smaller quantities of methane than infrared cameras," Thorpe said.

The Guardian

"The monitor is able to detect whether a cow is ill or on heat.

The Guardian - Tech

This method is able to detect both structurally and practically non-identifiable parameters.

Nature

The system is able to detect stress with 97.5% accuracy across multiple individuals.

Princeton University

In addition, the proposed algorithm is able to detect the frequency fluctuation.

Electric Power Systems Research

The technique is able to detect optical path differences of the order of the picometer.

Electrochimica Acta

He is able to detect a few crude patterns, but he's missing the fraught complexity of the thing.

The New York Times - Books

This is a technology that is able to detect specific DNA from biological samples.

The Guardian

The company's technology is able to detect weeds and use herbicide only when necessary.

Forbes

PR is able to detect fairly light rain rates down to about 0.7 mm/h.

Applied Water Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is able to detect", ensure the subject performing the detection is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the system, device, or method that possesses this capability.

Common error

Avoid using "is able to detect" in overly passive constructions, which can make your writing sound weak. Instead of saying "Errors are able to be detected by the system", opt for the more direct "The system is able to detect errors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is able to detect" functions as a verb phrase indicating the capacity or capability of a subject (system, device, individual) to identify or recognize something. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is able to detect" is a versatile expression used to describe the detection capabilities of various subjects, ranging from technological systems to scientific methods. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts, most notably in science and news media. While alternatives like "can detect" offer conciseness, "is able to detect" provides a slightly more formal tone and emphasizes inherent capability. When writing, ensuring clarity about the subject performing the detection is key. In summary, "is able to detect" is a reliable choice for conveying detection capabilities, adaptable to both formal and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can detect

Replaces "is able to" with the simpler and more direct modal verb "can".

is capable of detecting

Substitutes "able" with "capable", adding a slightly more formal tone.

has the ability to detect

Rephrases the concept using the noun "ability", making it more descriptive.

is equipped to detect

Emphasizes the preparedness or provision of resources to perform the detection.

is designed to detect

Highlights the intended purpose or engineering of a system for detection.

manages to detect

Implies a successful effort or process resulting in detection.

is successful in detecting

Focuses on the success rate or effectiveness of the detection process.

proves able to detect

Suggests that the ability to detect has been demonstrated or verified.

possesses the power to detect

Uses more emphatic language to describe the capability.

is known to detect

Highlights that the ability to detect is an established or recognized attribute.

FAQs

How can I use "is able to detect" in a sentence?

Use "is able to detect" to describe the capability of a device, system, or method to identify something. For instance, "The security system "is able to detect" intrusions".

What are some alternatives to "is able to detect"?

You can use alternatives such as "can detect", "is capable of detecting", or "has the ability to detect", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it better to use "can detect" or "is able to detect"?

"Can detect" is generally more concise and direct. "Is able to detect" is also correct, offering a slightly more formal tone or emphasizing capability. The choice depends on the context and desired style.

What's the difference between "is able to detect" and "is designed to detect"?

"Is able to detect" describes a current capability. "Is designed to detect" implies that the system was specifically created or engineered for the purpose of detection, highlighting intent and purpose.