sensor

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'sensor' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a device or system that detects or measures a physical property and records, indicates, or otherwise responds to it. For example: "The sensor detected an increase in temperature and signaled the alarm to go off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The premium iPhone-only smartwatch has more capabilities than most with a heart rate sensor and the ability to tap you on the wrist rather than simply shaking.

The Guardian - Tech

For our energy makeover this week I was given a standby saver, which was useful; I plugged my television into it and it has a sensor that responds to a signal from the TV remote control, so I just use that instead of switching the plug off at the wall.

The Guardian

The more physically active (as measured by the pedometer sensor) the employees are, the lower the company's insurance premium gets.

The Guardian

Andy Stanford-Clark, distinguished engineer in IBM's global internet of things team, pointed out that we can now pull in all sorts of data: not only GPS from cars and timings from traffic lights, but also air quality sensor data and images from cameras.

The Guardian - Tech

The people carrier with system of 12 cameras and a lidar sensor, which scans the environment using a spinning laser, attached to its roof was spotted by a Bay Area local blog called Claycord news and talk.

The Guardian - Tech

Hancock admits he put a camera with a motion sensor in his loft, and claims it caught Hughes peering in with a torch through a hole in the party wall.

The Guardian

He called the right to be forgotten "the only check on the tidal wave of observability that a ubiquitous sensor fabric is birthing now, observability that changes the very quality of what 'in public' means".

The Guardian - Tech

The Basis Peak fitness watch promises 24-hour heart-rate tracking using an optical sensor that shines a light into the skin.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Using street illumination in yet another shape, Eindhoven has even installed illuminated pedestrian crossings, where sensor-equipped white stripes illuminate to tell pedestrians it's safe to cross.

The Guardian

The bulk of this money will go on high-tech electronics and eyes-in-the-sky, in order to reduce what American planners call the "sensor-to-shooter" time lag.

The Economist

These "relocatable" sites will allow comparisons to be made within a domain.Every site, whether core or relocatable, will have a sensor-laden tower that reaches ten metres above the existing vegetation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the function of a "sensor", specify what it detects (e.g., temperature, pressure, motion) to provide clarity and context for your readers.

Common error

Don't use the term "sensor" without specifying the type of physical quantity it measures; instead, provide more details, such as "temperature sensor" or "motion sensor", to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sensor" is as a noun, referring to a device or component that detects and measures a physical property. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, such as describing the components of smartwatches or industrial equipment. According to Ludwig AI, the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "sensor" functions as a noun that identifies a device designed to detect changes and measure physical properties. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. Its prevalence spans various fields, including news, technology, and scientific contexts, making it a versatile term. When writing about "sensors", be specific about what they measure for maximum clarity. While grammatically straightforward, avoiding vague descriptions ensures effective communication. Common synonyms include "detector" and "transducer", offering nuanced ways to describe similar concepts. The term appears very frequently in both The Guardian and The Economist, demonstrating its broad relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Detector

Focuses on the function of identifying or discovering something.

Sensing element

Highlights the component responsible for perceiving changes.

Sensing device

More generic term indicating a tool for measuring a physical quantity.

Transducer

Emphasizes the conversion of one form of energy to another.

Measurement instrument

Focuses on the act of quantifying physical phenomena.

Monitoring equipment

Highlights continuous observation and recording.

Detection apparatus

Formal way of referring to a device for noticing or discovering something.

Signal receiver

Focuses on the aspect of obtaining signals from an external source.

Environmental monitor

Term referring to a device used to track conditions of the nature.

Probe

Highlights exploration to find physical parameters or values.

FAQs

How is a "sensor" used in a sentence?

A "sensor" is typically used to describe a device that detects and measures a physical quantity. For example, "The temperature sensor indicated a rise in the room's temperature."

What are some alternatives to the word "sensor"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "detector", "transducer", or "sensing element".

What is the difference between a "sensor" and a "detector"?

While both terms relate to identifying something, a "sensor" typically measures a physical property, while a "detector" indicates the presence of something without necessarily measuring it.

What types of devices commonly use "sensors"?

"Sensors" are used in a wide variety of devices, including smartphones, cars, medical equipment, and industrial machinery.