used to discover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "used to discover" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a method or tool that is employed for the purpose of finding or uncovering information or knowledge. Example: "The new software was used to discover patterns in the data that were previously unnoticed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Two major strategies are widely used to discover clinically useful biomarkers.

British Journal of Cancer

An ultraviolet spectrometer was used to discover aurorae on Mars.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Various techniques have been used to discover exoplanets.

Independent

This method was used to discover the first planet around a sun-like star, 51 Pegasi b, in 1995, and has since been used to discover dozens more planets and multi-planetary systems.

The Economist

This network-based strategy may be used to discover additional network biomarkers for early diagnosis.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

Dominator trees are used to discover the interconnectedness of nodes in a sparse network [21].

Journal of Big Data

Finally, the modified edge-following method is used to discover complete contours of objects.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Automatic auditing tools are used to discover and resolve possible errors [40, 41].

Journal of Cheminformatics

The sound field simulations can be used to discover the reasons for this effect.

Applied Adhesion Science

As a result, LSA can be used to discover semantic similarity between documents [25].

Journal of Big Data

Beacons are used to discover and maintain neighbour relationships [3 5].

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about research or investigations, use "used to discover" to clearly indicate the methods or tools employed in the process of finding new information or evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "used to discover" in overly simple or everyday contexts where more direct verbs like "found", "learned", or "noticed" would be more appropriate and less verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "used to discover" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the application of a method or tool to find or reveal something. According to Ludwig, it is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

19%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "used to discover" is a versatile phrase predominantly employed to describe methodologies and techniques used to uncover new information, especially within scientific and academic domains. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, writers should be mindful of potential overuse in simplistic contexts. Alternatives like "employed to uncover" or "utilized to find" can offer variety while maintaining semantic accuracy. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the phrase serves as a crucial connector when detailing processes of investigation and research across varied sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

employed to uncover

Emphasizes the act of revealing something hidden or unknown, differing slightly in focus from the initial act of discovery.

utilized to find

Highlights the practical application of a method or tool with the specific intention of locating something.

instrumental in detecting

Suggests a crucial role in identifying something, typically something subtle or difficult to notice.

applied to reveal

Focuses on the deliberate application of a technique with the intent to make something known or visible.

served to identify

Indicates a function or purpose in singling out or recognizing something specific.

helped to ascertain

Emphasizes the assistance provided in confirming or establishing something with certainty.

enabled the finding of

Highlights how something made it possible to locate or come across something else.

facilitated the detection of

Shows how something made the process of detecting easier or more efficient.

contributed to the discovery of

Suggests a partial role or involvement in the discovery process, rather than being the sole means.

was a factor in identifying

Indicates that something was one of several elements that led to identification.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "used to discover" for variety?

Alternatives include "employed to uncover", "utilized to find", or "instrumental in detecting", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is there a difference between "used to discover" and "helped to discover"?

"Used to discover" implies a primary function or method, while "helped to discover" suggests assistance in the discovery process. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the main tool or a supporting element.

When is it inappropriate to use "used to discover"?

Avoid using "used to discover" in overly simplistic contexts where more direct verbs like "found" or "learned" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound stilted or unnecessarily formal.

What kind of sources typically employ the phrase "used to discover"?

As Ludwig AI shows, scientific and academic sources commonly employ the phrase "used to discover" when describing research methodologies and findings. News and media sources also use it, but often in the context of reporting on scientific or technological breakthroughs.