try to detect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to detect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the effort of identifying or discovering something, often in contexts related to observation or analysis. Example: "The scientists will try to detect any signs of life on the distant planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the detection step, we only try to detect if an object is present in the image.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Intrusions detection systems (IDSs) are systems that try to detect attacks as they occur or after the attacks took place.

Computers & Electrical Engineering

Something else moving I try to detect in your eyes.

The New Yorker

At the time, he did not try to detect it.

The Economist

We try to detect and manage all of this automatically, but it's not always possible.

The Guardian

The compiler will try to detect if you access array elements that are out of bounds.

Stanford University

Mail receiving computers now use anti-spam filters to try to detect spam.

Stanford University

Can you imagine regular screening and testing of students to try to "detect" taking drugs?

The Washington Post

I try to detect and use what actors have inside, their hidden selves.

The New York Times

But the Sun's weak X-ray output made it seem futile to try to detect any other star this way.

Nature

I then put my hand to her nose and mouth to try to detect if there was breathing.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try to detect", ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what actions are being taken or will be taken to achieve the detection.

Common error

Avoid using "try to detect" in vague contexts. Always specify the tools, techniques, or strategies employed in the detection process for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to detect" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase to express an effort or attempt to identify or discover something. It often introduces the purpose or goal of an action, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try to detect" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to express an attempt or effort to identify or discover something. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in science, news and media, and academia. While "try to detect" is generally neutral in register, it's important to specify the methods or strategies employed in the detection process to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "attempt to identify" or "aim to discover" can be used depending on the context, with "try to detect" remaining a reliable and widely accepted choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to identify

Replaces "try" with the more formal "attempt" and maintains the infinitive structure.

seek to identify

Uses "seek" to convey a deliberate effort to find or recognize something.

aim to discover

Substitutes "detect" with "discover", focusing on finding something new or previously unknown.

make an effort to find

Expresses the effort involved in locating something, replacing "detect" with "find".

strive to discern

Employs "strive" to emphasize the effort and "discern" to suggest careful observation.

endeavor to uncover

Uses "endeavor" for a serious attempt and "uncover" to imply revealing something hidden.

work toward identifying

Focuses on the process of identification as an ongoing effort.

take measures to pinpoint

Highlights the actions taken to precisely identify something.

undertake to ascertain

Presents a formal commitment to determine something definitively.

set out to perceive

Emphasizes the initial intention to become aware of something through the senses or intellect.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to detect" to describe efforts to identify or discover something. For example, "Scientists try to detect gravitational waves" or "Security systems try to detect unauthorized access".

What are some alternatives to "try to detect"?

Alternatives include "attempt to identify", "seek to identify", or "aim to discover" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "try to detect" and "attempt to detect"?

"Try to detect" suggests a general effort, while "attempt to detect" often implies a more formal or structured approach. The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.

Is it more appropriate to use "try to detect" or "try and detect"?

"Try to detect" is generally considered more grammatically correct and formal than "try and detect". The latter is often used in more informal contexts.