not detectable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not detectable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something cannot be identified or observed, often in scientific or technical discussions. Example: "The substance was diluted to such an extent that it became not detectable in the solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Above all, it's not detectable.

The New York Times

Essentially, the substance disintegrated during drug screening and thus was not detectable.

The New York Times

Human growth hormones are not detectable in drug tests, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

n.d.: not detectable.

Chemistry Central Journal

b means not detectable.

AMB Express

c means not detectable.

AMB Express

stands for "Not Detectable".

Protein & Cell

ND not detectable.

AMB Express

Carotid pulses were not detectable.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

ND, not detectable; DW, dry weight.

Rice

At this potential Raman signals from Fe3O4 were not detectable.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not detectable" in scientific writing, clearly state the method or instrument used for detection. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "not detectable" to imply complete absence when it only means that the substance or phenomenon was below the detection limit of the instrument used. Instead, specify the detection limit to provide accurate information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not detectable" primarily functions as an adjective modifying a noun, indicating that the noun is incapable of being detected or identified. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in various scientific and technical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

85%

News & Media

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not detectable" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term, particularly in scientific and technical contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to indicate that something cannot be identified or observed due to limitations in measurement or perception. Its usage is primarily formal and scientific, with frequent appearances in research papers and technical reports. While alternatives like "undetectable" or "imperceptible" exist, the core meaning remains consistent: something is beyond the capacity of current methods to identify. When using this phrase, especially in science, it's best to give details to what instrument/method you were referring to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not discernible

Focuses on the lack of clear distinction or perception.

not discernable

Similar to "not discernible", stressing the inability to distinguish.

not apparent

Emphasizes the absence of obviousness.

not evident

Stresses the lack of clear proof or indication.

hardly detectable

Highlights the difficulty in detecting something.

not visible

Specifically refers to the inability to be seen.

not obvious

Indicates a lack of immediate visibility or understanding.

not distinguishable

Highlights the inability to tell apart from something else.

not perceptible

Focuses on the inability to be sensed.

not identifiable

Emphasizes the inability to determine the identity.

FAQs

How can I use "not detectable" in a sentence?

You can use "not detectable" to describe something that cannot be identified or observed. For instance, "The concentration of the chemical was so low that it was "not detectable" with the available equipment."

What are some alternatives to saying "not detectable"?

Alternatives include "not discernible", "not apparent", or "hardly detectable", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "not detected" or "not detectable"?

"Not detected" indicates that something was looked for but not found, while "not detectable" means it could not be found given the methods used. They have slightly different nuances, but are often interchangeable.

What's the difference between "not detectable" and "undetectable"?

"Not detectable" is a two-word phrase, while "undetectable" is a single word. Both convey the same meaning: something cannot be detected. "Undetectable" might be preferred for brevity, but "not detectable" is equally valid.