remained undetected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remained undetected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something or someone was not noticed or discovered over a period of time. Example: "The spy remained undetected for years, gathering crucial information without raising any suspicion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Design flaws remained undetected.

Harvard Business Review

This effect would have remained undetected without the new method.

Cornell University

The box-cutter 'Stanley' knives hidden in their hand baggage had remained undetected.

The Guardian

Despite the attacks, they remained undetected by authorities for almost a decade.

Independent

Aortic aneurysms often remained undetected (1/11, 9.0 %).

Insights into Imaging

One larger lesion (16 mm3) remained undetected because it was covered by the left liver lobe.

EJNMMI Research

Nodules shielded by dense structures or organs such as the liver frequently remained undetected.

EJNMMI Research

These lesions remained undetected in the blinded second SPECT/CT read.

European Journal of Hybrid Imaging

Even one larger lesion covered by the left liver lobe remained undetected (Fig. 4).

EJNMMI Research

The fact that these attacks remained undetected for so long is troubling given the sensitivity of the targets, but there is a positive.

TechCrunch

In addition, new technologies can often be used for the identification of mutations that have remained undetected with the current technologies.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remained undetected" to emphasize that something was not found or noticed over a period of time, often implying a potential consequence or risk associated with the lack of detection.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive voice when using "remained undetected". Actively frame sentences to highlight who or what failed to detect, providing a clearer understanding of responsibility or oversight. For example, instead of "The flaw remained undetected", consider "Engineers failed to detect the flaw".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remained undetected" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of something not being discovered or noticed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and grammatically correct. It often follows a linking verb (e.g., "remained", "stayed") to attribute this state to a subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remained undetected" is a versatile expression used to describe a state of non-detection, often implying a missed opportunity or potential risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. Its function is to describe, its purpose is to emphasize a lack of discovery, and its register is neutral to formal. Common alternatives include "went unnoticed" and "stayed hidden", which can provide similar meanings. While the phrase is common, overuse of passive constructions should be avoided for clarity. Ludwig examples show its widespread use in science, news, and general contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went unnoticed

Focuses on the lack of attention something received.

stayed hidden

Emphasizes the concealment of something.

escaped detection

Highlights the act of avoiding being found.

was not discovered

States the simple fact of not being found.

eluded notice

A more formal way of saying something wasn't noticed.

passed unseen

Focuses on the visual aspect of not being detected.

evaded detection

Emphasizes a deliberate avoidance of being detected.

was not observed

Highlights the lack of observation.

bypassed scrutiny

Implies something avoided careful examination.

remained unrevealed

Stresses the continued state of not being disclosed.

FAQs

How can I use "remained undetected" in a sentence?

You can use "remained undetected" to indicate that something was not noticed or discovered. For instance, "The error in the code "remained undetected" during testing".

What are some alternatives to "remained undetected"?

Alternatives include "went unnoticed", "stayed hidden", or "escaped detection", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "the problem remained undetected" or "the problem was not detected"?

"The problem "remained undetected"" suggests the problem existed for some time without being found, while "the problem was not detected" simply states it wasn't found at a particular time. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the duration of non-detection.

What does "remained undetected" imply about the situation?

It often implies that the lack of detection had consequences or that there was an expectation or need for detection. For instance, if a security vulnerability "remained undetected", it suggests potential exploitation.