What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
find
Example
I finally found my keys in the couch cushions. [found: past tense]
Example
I always find interesting books at the library. [find: verb]
detect
Example
The detective was able to detect a faint odor of gasoline at the crime scene. [detect: verb]
Example
The machine can detect even the smallest changes in temperature. [detect: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Find is more commonly used than detect in everyday language. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, from finding lost objects to discovering new information. Detect, on the other hand, is more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between find and detect?
Detect is more formal than find. It is often used in technical or scientific writing, while find can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
