to detect

USAGE SUMMARY

The term 'to detect' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the ability of someone or something to notice, recognize, or discover something. For example, "The new security system is designed to detect intruders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are harder to detect.

The Economist

Real injuries can be hard to detect.

The New York Times

This makes them difficult to detect.

The Economist

The benefits are hard to detect.

The Economist

Pedlars hawk canaries, to detect gas.

The Economist

They take a swab to detect nicotine.

The New York Times

These are nearly impossible to detect".

The New Yorker

Lyme disease is notoriously tough to detect.

The New York Times

"Amateurs are tougher to detect and catch.

The New York Times

This makes them rather hard to detect.

The Economist

By then, they are harder to detect.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to detect", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being detected and the method or tool used for detection. For example, "Use sensors "to detect" gas leaks effectively."

Common error

Avoid using "to detect" without specifying what needs detection. Instead of saying "The system is used to detect", clarify with "The system is used "to detect" anomalies in network traffic."

Linguistic Context

To detect" functions as an infinitive of purpose, often introducing a clause that explains the reason or goal behind an action. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it describing actions of discovering or identifying.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to detect" is a grammatically sound and commonly used infinitive of purpose. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses the intention or goal of discovering, identifying, or noticing something. Its usage spans diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and technical writing. To ensure clarity, specify what is being detected, and avoid vagueness. Related phrases include "in order to discover" and "with the aim of identifying". Remember that while suitable for formal contexts, its precise tone lends itself well to professional and technical discourse. "To detect" is your go-to phrase when you want to pinpoint the 'why' behind an action of discovery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to discover

Emphasizes the intention behind finding something out.

with the aim of identifying

Highlights the goal-oriented nature of the identification process.

so as to recognize

Focuses on the purpose of being able to recognize something.

for the purpose of finding

Directly states the reason for searching or locating something.

in an effort to ascertain

Indicates a determined attempt to find something out definitively.

as a means to discern

Suggests using something as a tool to distinguish or perceive.

with a view to spotting

Implies looking out for something specific, often something concealed.

to be able to sense

Highlights the capability of perceiving something, often through intuition or feeling.

to have the ability to notice

Emphasizes the inherent capacity to observe and become aware.

for the sake of uncovering

Stresses the importance of revealing something that is hidden or unknown.

FAQs

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

You can use "to detect" to describe the action of discovering or identifying something, such as "The purpose of the study was "to detect" any signs of bias" or "The sensor is designed "to detect" changes in temperature".

What are some alternatives to "to detect"?

Some alternatives include "to identify", "to discover", "to recognize", or "to ascertain" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "to detect" and "to discover"?

While both involve finding something, "to detect" often implies using a tool or method to find something that is not easily noticeable, while "to discover" generally means finding something unexpectedly or learning something new.

When is it appropriate to use "to detect" in formal writing?

"To detect" is suitable for formal writing when discussing methods or technologies used for finding or identifying something, especially in scientific or technical contexts. For example, "The algorithm was developed "to detect" fraudulent transactions".