is imperceptible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is imperceptible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be perceived or noticed, often in contexts related to subtlety or insignificance. Example: "The change in temperature is imperceptible to the average person, but it can have significant effects on the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The scent of rose water is imperceptible at Pizza Paradise, obscured by pepperoni's more flagrant bouquet.

The New York Times - Food

The inner-city setting is imperceptible in a stage dominated by water and wildlife.

The Guardian

Michael Atherton Ordinarily, a sportsman's journey from good to exceptional or exceptional to great is imperceptible.

The Guardian - Sport

Men get violent and there is imperceptible shrugging of the shoulders that accompanies it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Right now, the effect of men's catwalk fashion on the street is imperceptible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

THE subtle gravitational influence of the moon is imperceptible to humans yet is able to move oceans.

The Economist

The volume is imperceptible — quiet drinks can be enjoyed here — but the screens are still a distraction.

The New York Times

To make permanent changes, you need to reduce the levels little by little, so each step is imperceptible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But, he says, "all of our consumer research indicates that from a taste standpoint, the difference is imperceptible".

The New York Times - Magazine

But soon, it will start to fill up with blue tubes whose deviation from straightness is imperceptible to the naked eye.

The Economist

Solutions of quantum dots in chloroform glow vividly when illuminated with ultraviolet light, turning light that is imperceptible to human eyes into bright colours (see picture below).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is imperceptible", ensure the context clearly indicates what sense or measurement is unable to detect the subject. For instance, specify if something is visually, audibly, or measurably imperceptible.

Common error

Avoid using "is imperceptible" when something is merely difficult to detect, rather than genuinely undetectable. Overstating can undermine the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is imperceptible" functions as a predicative adjective, describing a quality of a noun or pronoun that is not easily detected or perceived. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is imperceptible" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something that is difficult or impossible to detect. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows for application across various contexts, predominantly in news, media, and scientific domains. When employing this phrase, precision is key: specify the sense or method by which something remains undetectable. Alternatives such as "is undetectable" or "is unnoticeable" can provide similar meaning, yet may vary in nuance. Avoid overstating imperceptibility; ensure the context accurately reflects a genuine lack of detectability to maintain writing credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is undetectable

Focuses on the inability to detect something through any means.

is unnoticeable

Emphasizes that something does not attract attention or is not easily observed.

is indiscernible

Highlights the difficulty in distinguishing something from its surroundings or other elements.

is invisible

Suggests that something cannot be seen, often used metaphorically.

is beyond perception

Indicates something is outside the range of what can be perceived by the senses.

escapes notice

Implies that something is overlooked or not given attention.

is negligible

Highlights that something is so small or unimportant as to be not worth considering.

is subtle

Emphasizes the faintness or delicacy of something, making it hard to detect.

is microscopic

Refers to something that is so small it can only be seen with a microscope, often used figuratively.

is hidden

Suggests something is deliberately concealed or not easily found.

FAQs

How can I use "is imperceptible" in a sentence?

Use "is imperceptible" to describe something that cannot be easily detected or noticed by the senses or by precise measurements. For example, "The change in pressure "is imperceptible" without specialized equipment."

What can I say instead of "is imperceptible"?

You can use alternatives like "is undetectable", "is unnoticeable", or "is indiscernible" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is imperceptible" or "is unperceivable"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, however, ""is imperceptible"" is more commonly used and generally preferred in most contexts. "is unperceivable" is a valid alternative but less frequent.

What's the difference between "is imperceptible" and "is invisible"?

"Is imperceptible" implies something cannot be easily detected by any sense, while "is invisible" specifically means something cannot be seen. Something can be imperceptible without being invisible, and vice versa.