were able to detect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were able to detect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the capability or success of identifying or discovering something, often in a scientific or technical context. Example: "After extensive testing, the researchers were able to detect the presence of the virus in the samples."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He had a natural instinct and hounds were able to detect that," Mr. Wiley said.

The New York Times - Sports

Both instruments were able to detect change over time.

Epilepsy Research

For AK064188, we were able to detect a faint fragment with cDNA of G978.

Rice

EM residents were able to detect a significant abnormality greater than 93% of the time.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

In both situations, we were able to detect siRNAs corresponding to the trigger dsRNA.

Rice

We were able to detect an effect of the level of urbanization on decomposition processes.

Ecological Processes

In their studies, robots were able to detect musical beats using auditory functions.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

They were able to detect the occurrence of agglomeration from changes in size distributions of particles.

IPSJ Transactions on Computer Vision and Applications

We were able to detect design constraints on control systems that other methods fail to detect.

European Journal of Control

Both image-based systems were able to detect and locate fires.

Fire Safety Journal

Employing a pan-Alpine model, we were able to detect the temporal trajectory of spatial reforestation.

Land Use Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were able to detect" to clearly indicate the successful identification of something, particularly when emphasizing the effort or capability involved.

Common error

Avoid using "were able to detect" excessively in passive voice constructions. Reword to emphasize the active agent of detection for more direct and impactful writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were able to detect" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the capacity and successful execution of identifying or noticing something. According to Ludwig, this construction is grammatically correct and widely utilized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

83%

News & Media

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were able to detect" is a grammatically correct and common way to express the successful identification or discovery of something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and formal settings. While versatile, writers should be mindful of its formality and consider alternatives like "managed to detect" or "identified" to suit the specific tone and audience. Keep an eye on the potential for overuse in passive constructions and favor active voice for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

managed to detect

Replaces "were able" with "managed", emphasizing successful effort.

succeeded in detecting

Emphasizes the successful outcome of the detection process.

were successful in detecting

Similar to "succeeded in detecting", highlighting success.

identified

A more concise way of saying something was detected.

discovered

Implies uncovering something previously unknown.

ascertained

Suggests a more formal or certain detection.

were capable of detecting

Focuses on the capability rather than the action itself.

were in a position to detect

Highlights the situation or conditions allowing for detection.

it was possible to detect

Shifts focus to the possibility of detection, rather than the actor.

were in a state to detect

Highlights the condition that permitted detection.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were able to detect" indicates a successful discovery or identification. For example, "Researchers "were able to detect" traces of the chemical in the water supply".

What are some alternatives to "were able to detect"?

Alternatives include "managed to detect", "succeeded in detecting", or simply "identified", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "were able to detect" or "could detect"?

"Were able to detect" emphasizes capability and often implies a specific effort or circumstance that enabled the detection. "Could detect" suggests a general ability. The best choice depends on the intended emphasis.

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

"Were able to detect" is suitable for formal writing when you want to highlight the specific ability or success in identifying something, especially in scientific or technical contexts.