shown to harbor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shown to harbor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing evidence or findings that indicate a particular entity or subject contains or supports something, often in a scientific or analytical context. Example: "The study has shown to harbor significant levels of pollutants in the water supply."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They suspected that the cloud, named Kuestner 648, would be shown to harbor a double star, but none was detected.

The New York Times - Science

Other rodents have been shown to harbor infectious proteins without showing signs of disease, she said, and yet as carriers they can pass on the disease.

The New York Times - Health

MGMT protein was shown to harbor a nearly perfect PCNA-Interacting Protein (PIP box) motif.

Neoplasia

However, cells producing viremias with identical env sequences have been shown to harbor replication-competent virus (38).

Science Magazine

Several isoenzymes in carboxylesterase family have shown to harbor lipase activity and have been demonstrated to be involved in lipid metabolism.

Protein & Cell

Bacteria such as Pseudomonas have been shown to harbor specialized enzymes for converting coniferyl aldehyde but no comparable enzymes have been identified in S. cerevisiae.

Bioresource Technology

(1) Subseafloor settings have, during the last two decades, been shown to harbor a deep biosphere in both marine sediments [25] and basaltic basement [26 28].

Geochemical Transactions

p38γ MAPK, one of the four members of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), has previously been shown to harbor oncogenic functions.

Neoplasia

WCR beetles have been shown to harbor only Wolbachia [11].

Plosone

Interestingly, H. pylori sodB mutants have been shown to harbor more free iron within their cells than WT bacteria [11].

Plosone

Interestingly, peptides containing the microtubule binding sites on tau proteins have also been shown to harbor antimicrobial properties [74].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shown to harbor", ensure that the evidence supporting the claim is clearly presented or referenced. This phrase implies a degree of certainty based on demonstrable evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "shown to harbor" when the evidence is preliminary or inconclusive. Use more tentative language like "suggested to harbor" or "potentially harbors" if the evidence is not definitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shown to harbor" functions as a passive construction, indicating that an entity has been proven to contain, host, or possess something else. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its use in contexts where evidence supports the claim, demonstrating a factual assertion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

86%

News & Media

12%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shown to harbor" is a grammatically sound and common construction, predominantly used in scientific and news contexts to convey that something has been demonstrated to contain or possess something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage implies a degree of certainty based on evidence, which should be clearly referenced. While alternatives like "demonstrated to contain" and "proven to possess" exist, "shown to harbor" often suggests a containing or protective function. When using this phrase, avoid overstating the certainty if the evidence is preliminary. Its prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and suitability for formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrated to contain

Emphasizes a clear and irrefutable demonstration of containment. Shifts focus slightly from the act of harboring to the fact of containment.

proven to possess

Implies a confirmed and established fact of possessing something, often with a sense of ownership or inherent characteristic.

found to include

Highlights the discovery of elements or components within something. Less about the act of harboring and more about composition.

revealed to hold

Suggests an uncovering or disclosure of what is being contained. Emphasizes the act of revelation.

established to have

Indicates a firmly established fact of having something. Conveys a sense of certainty and formal confirmation.

determined to exhibit

Focuses on observable characteristics or behaviors. More suitable when the 'harboring' results in outward signs.

ascertained to maintain

Highlights the active maintenance of something within. Implies an ongoing process of retaining or supporting.

discovered to host

Implies a more active role where something is deliberately hosting another entity. Commonly used in biological contexts.

observed to carry

Focuses on the act of carrying or transporting something. Often used when the 'harboring' is a temporary or transitional state.

shown to support

Highlights the enabling or sustaining role of what is being 'harbored'. Suitable when the containment has functional implications.

FAQs

How can I use "shown to harbor" in a sentence?

The phrase "shown to harbor" is used to indicate that something has been proven or demonstrated to contain or possess something else. For example: "The study has shown that these cells "shown to harbor" the virus."

What are some alternatives to "shown to harbor"?

You can use alternatives such as "demonstrated to contain", "proven to possess", or "found to include" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "shown to harbor" or "shown to contain"?

Both "shown to harbor" and "shown to contain" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the specific context. "Harbor" often implies providing refuge or protection, while "contain" simply means to hold something within.

What does "shown to harbor" imply about the evidence?

"Shown to harbor" suggests that there is demonstrable evidence supporting the claim. It implies a level of certainty that may not be present with phrases like "suspected to harbor" or "believed to harbor".