was unable to detect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was unable to detect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a failure to perceive, identify, or recognize something, often in a technical or scientific context. Example: "The sensor was unable to detect any changes in temperature during the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

PET was unable to detect axillary metastases in several cases with a limited number of small involved nodes.

Breast Cancer Research

I was unable to detect any obvious blunders in language.

The New York Times - Books

And I was unable to detect what the title referred to.

The New Yorker

"But he was unable to detect attackers on the network he inherited".

The Guardian - Tech

Subsequently, another railbird was unable to detect the considerable difference in appearance and batting style between two Yankee veterans.

The New Yorker

Even with advance notice, the treaty's monitoring system was unable to detect necessary evidence about the test.

The Economist

While the referee Rob Styles may well have been unsighted by Amdy Faye it was wretched that his assistant, too, was unable to detect any offence.

The Guardian - Sport

Italics indicate trials for which TAP-S was unable to detect a valid preamble.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

A similar IFFT analysis was unable to detect any dislocation in the wetting layer.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The reference study HPLC MS was unable to detect a release agent contamination of less than 0.25%.

Applied Adhesion Science

Below 100 mAs the software system was unable to detect objects probably due to intrinsic algorithm limitations.

European Radiology Experimental

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was unable to detect", ensure that the context clearly specifies what could not be detected and the reason for the failure, if known. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was unable to detect" without specifying the limitations or conditions that led to the failure. For example, instead of saying "The equipment was unable to detect", specify "The equipment was unable to detect the signal due to low sensitivity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was unable to detect" functions as a declarative statement indicating a failure to perceive, identify, or recognize something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it's often used in technical or scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was unable to detect" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a failure in perceiving, identifying, or recognizing something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it serves to report or explain a lack of detection due to limitations of a system, instrument, or method. While versatile, clarity is crucial; always specify what couldn't be detected and the reasons behind the failure. Consider alternatives like ""could not detect"" or ""failed to detect"" based on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not detect

Similar in meaning, this alternative uses a different auxiliary verb.

failed to detect

Emphasizes the failure aspect more directly.

did not detect

A more direct and simple phrasing.

was not able to find

Focuses on the inability to locate something.

could not identify

Replaces "detect" with a synonym that means to recognize.

was unable to identify

Using a synonymous verb for 'detect', it emphasizes the failure of identification.

was not capable of detecting

Expresses a lack of capability rather than a specific instance.

was unsuccessful in detecting

Highlights the lack of success in the detection process.

proved incapable of detecting

Emphasizes the proven inability to detect.

yielded no detection of

Shifts the focus to the absence of any detected signal or presence.

FAQs

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

You can use "was unable to detect" to describe a situation where something or someone couldn't perceive, identify, or find something. For example: "The sensor was unable to detect any movement".

What are some alternatives to "was unable to detect"?

Alternatives include "could not detect", "failed to detect", or "did not detect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "was unable to detect" and "could not detect"?

While both phrases are very similar, "was unable to detect" might imply a specific instance where detection failed, whereas "could not detect" can suggest a general inability or limitation.

When should I use "was unable to detect" versus "failed to detect"?

"Was unable to detect" is a more neutral statement of inability, while "failed to detect" emphasizes a lack of success or a negative outcome in the attempt to detect something.