not be discovered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not be discovered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express that something remains hidden or is unlikely to be found. Example: "The secret to her success may not be discovered for many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In existing classification systems, the set of such rules may not be discovered easily.

Information Sciences

Its true application will not be discovered until Radiohead have experimented with one.

The Guardian - Music

NO black monolith has turned up yet, but then, extraterrestrial artifacts may not be discovered according to a timetable.

The New York Times - Tech

In addition, the present three-phase model reveals some important features of aggregate effects which could not be discovered from previous one-phase models.

Construction and Building Materials

This phenomenon can not be discovered by the static approach that is normally used in the design of pressure relieving devices.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

As stated, the evidence in this case is that the defect could not be discovered unless the wheel and drum were removed from the axle.

Harvard University

He invented machines to mix the substance automatically and set up a factory that he kept top-secret so his process would not be discovered.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In Science and the Unseen World (1929) he declared that the world's meaning could not be discovered from science but must be sought through apprehension of spiritual reality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But because these assumed affinities did not, in fact, exist and hence could not be discovered by ordinary scientific methods, recourse had to be made to divine revelation.

Britannica

Once, Ms. Reich's organizing efforts revealed stealing by a nanny who was relying on the messy state of affairs to ensure she would not be discovered.

The New York Times

To pursue its underground interest in America's lefty avant-garde, the CIA had to be sure its patronage could not be discovered.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "not be discovered" when you want to emphasize the possibility of something remaining hidden or undetected, often due to specific circumstances or limitations.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice. While "not be discovered" is grammatically correct, consider whether an active voice construction would make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The error might not be discovered", try "Someone might not discover the error."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not be discovered" functions as part of a passive construction, indicating the potential for something to remain hidden or undetected. It often appears in contexts where there's a risk or possibility of something remaining unknown.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

37%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not be discovered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express the possibility of something remaining hidden or undetected. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile across various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. While primarily used in a neutral to formal register, it's crucial to consider active voice alternatives for more direct writing. Remember to avoid overusing the passive voice and ensure clarity in your writing. When thinking of close alternatives, keep in mind these options: "remain undetected", "go unnoticed", and "stay hidden".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not be found

Directly states the inability to locate something.

remain undetected

Emphasizes the state of not being detected.

not be identified

Focuses on the lack of recognition or identification.

go unnoticed

Focuses on the lack of attention or observation.

stay hidden

Highlights the act of remaining concealed.

remain unrevealed

Stresses that something has not been disclosed or made known.

not come to light

Suggests that information or a fact does not become public knowledge.

stay concealed

Emphasizes the act of remaining hidden or secret.

evade detection

Implies an active effort to avoid being found.

escape notice

Similar to 'go unnoticed' but can also imply a narrow escape.

FAQs

How can I use "not be discovered" in a sentence?

You can use "not be discovered" to indicate the possibility that something might remain hidden or undetected. For example, "The flaw in the system might "not be discovered" for years."

What are some alternatives to "not be discovered"?

Some alternatives include "remain undetected", "go unnoticed", or "stay hidden", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use the active or passive voice when talking about something "not be discovered"?

While "not be discovered" is grammatically correct in the passive voice, using the active voice might sometimes be more direct. Consider whether "someone might not discover it" is more impactful than "it might "not be discovered"" in your context.

What does it mean when something might "not be discovered"?

It means there's a possibility that the thing in question will remain hidden, undetected, or unknown. This can be due to various factors, such as lack of investigation, intentional concealment, or inherent obscurity.