can be identified vs can be detected

Both 'can be identified' and 'can be detected' are correct phrases in English. They can be used interchangeably in many contexts, but there are subtle differences in meaning. 'Can be identified' is more commonly used when referring to recognizing or distinguishing something, while 'can be detected' is often used in the context of discovering or noticing something, especially something hidden or subtle.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 1658 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"can be identified"

This phrase is used when referring to recognizing or distinguishing something. It implies the ability to determine or establish the identity of something.

Examples:

The suspect can be identified by his distinctive tattoo.
The chemical compound can be identified using spectroscopy techniques.
The rare bird species can be identified by its unique song.
The key features that can be identified in the painting help date it to the Renaissance period.
The virus strain can be identified through genetic sequencing.

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If no successive stops of the refrigerating system can be identified then sequential periods of 4 hours must be considered.
Since no grounds of compatibility can be identified for the scheme in question, it is found to be incompatible with the internal market.
The context can be identified by:
Answer these questions where the product can be identified as EU/EEA bound air cargo/air mail in the course of the packing process.
However, some specific elements can be identified for the two target groups, elderly and disabled people.
Enterprise groups can be identified through the links of control between their legal units.
Moreover, a number of upside risks to the inflation outlook can be identified.
In spite of the differences, the implementing administrative bodies have certain common features which can be identified and compared.
Allocation based on a physical relationship can be modelled using direct substitution if a product can be identified that is directly substituted [86].
It travels electrically, through power cables, so it can be identified by a heat signature.
Hopefully, other areas for fruitful collaboration can be identified.
Subgroups can be identified within enterprise groups.
Two major factors can be identified with regard to the liberalisation process of the energy market.
Currently, the majority of farms can be identified through their participation in these schemes.
Therefore, no breach of Community law can be identified at present.
A number of influences can be identified.
On the contrary, some advances can be identified.
In practice, some modifications can be identified:
Various types of objectives can be identified in relation to tourism cooperation.
It is unlikely that animals with lost tags can be identified.

Alternatives:

can be recognized
can be distinguished
can be pinpointed
can be singled out
can be labeled

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"can be detected"

This phrase is used when referring to discovering or noticing something, especially something hidden or subtle. It implies the ability to find or perceive something that may not be easily visible or obvious.

Examples:

The presence of the gas leak can be detected by the smell.
The tumor can be detected early through regular screenings.
The spyware can be detected by antivirus software.
The faint signal can be detected with sensitive equipment.
The emotion in her voice can be detected by his keen ears.

Show examples from the web [+]

Only monkeys and man emit ammonia in this way... and it can be detected from long distances.
An NMAC anomaly can be detected during an investigation of NMAC discrepancies of whatever kind.
Deoxyhemoglobin can be detected by MRI, whereas oxyhemoglobin can't.
Limit of detection: is the lowest concentration that can be detected but not quantified.
A few other substances can be detected using individual procedures.
Desloratadine plasma concentrations can be detected within 30 minutes of desloratadine administration in adults and adolescents.
In a single dose pharmacokinetic study with Aerinaze, plasma concentration of desloratadine can be detected within 30 minutes of administration.
In animals, only a small amount of unchanged pioglitazone can be detected in either urine or faeces.
Because it contains a small amount of radioactivity it can be detected from outside the body using special cameras.
This substance is applied to the ground by farmers in early April in preparation for the cultivation of cotton and can be detected by relatively simple methods.
Mitotic recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be detected between genes (or more generally between a gene and its centromere) and within genes.
Because the substance contains a small amount of radioactivity it can be detected from outside the body using special cameras, and a picture, known as a scan, can be taken.
For the Big Blue lacI assay, it is important to demonstrate that the whole range of mutant colour phenotypes can be detected by inclusion of appropriate colour controls concurrent with each plating.
This 13 Carbon can be detected in the carbon dioxide you breathe out of your lungs.
On setting the AS, irregular situations, e.g. open doors, etc., can be detected by a self-check function (plausibility control), and this situation is indicated.
Folded euro banknotes, because of their reduced length or width, can be detected by sensors checking the size of the euro banknotes.
Desloratadine plasma concentrations can be detected within 30 minutes of administration.
It is true that a number of positive signs can be detected.
Subsequently no breach of the EIA Directive can be detected.
With all equations, combinations of various foreign fats also can be detected.

Alternatives:

can be found
can be uncovered
can be spotted
can be perceived
can be observed

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can be identified vs can be detected