it was detected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was detected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where something has been discovered, either by chance or deliberately through an investigation. For example, "After an extensive search, it was detected that the missing cellphone was still in the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was detected at the cavitaion level only (detectable softened floor, undermined enamel or softened wall).

BMC Oral Health

It was detected three weeks before the Kentucky Derby.

The New York Times - Sports

The average fraud scheme lasted 18 months before it was detected, the study found.

The New York Times

The tumor was removed after it was detected but the cancer had already spread.

The New York Times

They add that the installation was still under construction when it was detected by American intelligence.

The New York Times

He said it was detected in "processes, attitudes, unwitting prejudice, ignorance and thoughtlessness and racist stereotyping".

The Guardian

It was detected, on a tip from a North Korean defector, in 1978.

The New Yorker

It was detected that different variables controlled the cleaning process in removal of adhesive deposit.

Journal of Cleaner Production

When S. agalactiae was detected, it was detected sooner with resin-containing medium.

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease

Hydroxyterephthalic acid is a highly fluorescent molecule and it was detected by HPLC-FLD or spectrofluorimeter.

Catalysis Today

It was detected that there exist two fundamentally different reasons for this maximum.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was detected" when you want to emphasize the action of finding or discovering something, rather than simply stating its existence. This can add a sense of investigation or observation to your writing.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "it was detected" if an active voice would be more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The error was detected by the system", consider "The system detected the error".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was detected" functions as a passive construction used to indicate that something has been discovered or identified. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was detected" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to report a discovery or finding. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While highly common, consider whether an active voice construction might be more direct in some instances. When communicating the result of an investigation, test, or observation, "it was detected" serves as a clear and concise way to convey the information. For alternatives, consider phrases like "it was discovered" or "it was identified" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was found

A simple and direct alternative, indicating the location or existence of something.

it was discovered

Emphasizes the act of finding something, often unexpectedly.

it was identified

Highlights the act of recognizing or naming something specifically.

it was determined

Suggests a formal or official decision or finding.

it was observed

Implies a more formal or scientific observation.

it was ascertained

Implies a careful and deliberate investigation that led to the discovery.

it came to light

Focuses on the information becoming public or known.

it was revealed

Suggests that something previously hidden is now made known.

it was noticed

Suggests a casual or incidental observation.

it became apparent

Focuses on the gradual realization or understanding of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it was detected" in a sentence?

You can use "it was detected" to indicate that something was discovered or noticed. For example, "It was detected that the system had been compromised" or "The anomaly was detected during the routine check".

What can I say instead of "it was detected"?

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

Is it better to use active or passive voice instead of "it was detected"?

In some cases, using the active voice can make your writing more direct. For example, instead of "It was detected by the system", you could say "The system detected it".

What's the difference between "it was detected" and "it was observed"?

"It was detected" implies that something was found through a specific process, while "it was observed" suggests that something was noticed or witnessed.