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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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specifically to detect

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specifically to detect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a particular purpose or function of a tool, method, or process aimed at identifying something. Example: "The new software was developed specifically to detect anomalies in the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Two edge detection algorithms designed specifically to detect fronts in satellite-derived SST fields are compared: the histogram-based algorithm of Cayula and Cornillon (1992 , 1995 and the entropy-based algorithm of Shimada et al. (2005).

Thus, further study of the behavioral and mood symptoms thought to accompany HD using measures designed specifically to detect depressive symptoms and changes in behavior specific to HD is warranted to delineate the timing of onset of the psychological symptoms.

Humans have no sense organs designed specifically to detect terrestrial vibrations.

News & Media

The Economist

It was seriously weakened (1887) by the Michelson-Morley experiment, which was designed specifically to detect the motion of Earth through the ether and which showed that there was no such effect.

Spider.io's tech is designed specifically to detect attacks originating from PCs infected by malware.

News & Media

TechCrunch

Primers were designed specifically to detect the presence of either the short (huOb-Ra) or the long (huOb-Rb) Ob-R isoforms and level of mRNA expression for each was determined.

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The Ruff Light Trail Learning Test (RULIT) is specifically designed to detect right hemisphere dysfunction.

Validation is warranted in future studies specifically designed to detect biomarker associations.

An algorithm has been specifically developed to detect and identify gas nature.

Swift is a multi-wavelength observatory specifically designed to detect transient sources in the γ-ray energy band 15-200 keV.

Algorithms specifically designed to detect edges and ridges in gravity gradient grids can help overcoming both problems.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "specifically to detect" when you want to emphasize the intentional design or purpose behind a method, tool, or study. It highlights that the focus is narrowed down to a particular target or outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "specifically to detect" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or technical in settings where simpler language would be more appropriate.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specifically to detect" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It modifies a verb or noun, indicating the reason or intention behind an action or design. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show its use in describing tools, studies, and methods.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

80%

News & Media

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "specifically to detect" is a grammatically sound and usable construction, typically employed to emphasize the focused intention behind a method or tool. As Ludwig AI shows, it commonly appears in scientific and technical writing, indicating a tailored approach to identification or discovery. While appropriate for formal contexts, it may sound stilted in casual conversation. Alternatives like "aimed at identifying" or "designed for detection" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using "specifically to detect", ensure it aligns with the overall tone and register of your writing to maintain clarity and appropriateness.

FAQs

How can I use "specifically to detect" in a sentence?

You can use "specifically to detect" to describe the intended function of a tool, method, or study. For example, "The algorithm was designed "specifically to detect" fraudulent transactions."

What are some alternatives to "specifically to detect"?

Alternatives include phrases like "aimed at identifying", "designed for detection", or "intended for the purpose of detecting". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "designed specifically to detect" or "specifically designed to detect"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Designed specifically to detect" emphasizes the design aspect, while "specifically designed to detect" emphasizes the specific purpose. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

How does "specifically to detect" differ from "generally to detect"?

"Specifically to detect" indicates a narrow and focused purpose, while "generally to detect" implies a broader, less targeted objective. Using "specifically" highlights that the method or tool is tailored for a particular outcome, unlike something intended "generally to detect".

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: