detecting

Everyday

1. Detecting is the -ing form of «detect»: noticing or discovering something that is hard to see, hear or find. tree →
2. Detecting is also finding things, especially with a special machine (metal detecting) or by investigating like a detective. tree →

In the lessons

In science, instruments are used for detecting heat, light, sound, gases or movement; a smoke alarm is a device for detecting smoke. In stories, detectives are detecting clues to solve a mystery. As a hobby, people go metal detecting on beaches. Phrases: detecting clues, metal detecting, detecting smoke.

Examples

• A smoke alarm is good at detecting smoke early. tree →
• The dog is detecting the smell of food in the bag. tree →
• Bats find insects by detecting echoes. tree →
• Grandpa goes metal detecting on the beach. tree →
• The detective was busy detecting clues. tree →
• Our eyes are detecting light all the time. tree →
• Doctors use scans for detecting illnesses. tree →

Note

Verb: detect, detected, detecting. Nouns: detection, detector, detective. «Detect» is more formal than «notice» or «find».