At the A1 level, think of 'detectives' as people who find things. They are like 'police helpers' who look for clues. You might see them in cartoons or simple stories. They find the person who did something wrong. You can say: 'The detectives find the man.' It is a plural word, so we use 'they'. They are smart and they work hard to help people. They do not wear police uniforms, they wear normal clothes like you and me. They are very important for keeping the city safe.
At the A2 level, 'detectives' are described as professional police workers who solve mysteries. They investigate crimes like theft or robbery. They talk to people to get information. You can use the word when talking about your favorite TV show or a book. For example: 'The detectives are looking for the stolen car.' They use tools like cameras and computers. They work in an office but also go outside to look at the crime scene. They are different from regular police because they spend more time thinking and searching for evidence.
At the B1 level, you should understand that 'detectives' are specialized investigators within a police force. Their primary role is to gather evidence and solve complex cases. They interview witnesses, examine crime scenes, and analyze data. You will often hear this word in news reports or crime dramas. For instance, 'Detectives are following several leads to catch the suspect.' They often work in plain clothes to remain inconspicuous. It is important to distinguish them from uniformed officers who handle immediate emergencies and traffic control.
At the B2 level, 'detectives' refers to a specific rank or role characterized by analytical skills and deductive reasoning. They are responsible for the long-term investigation of criminal activity, ranging from homicide to financial fraud. The word implies a level of expertise and authority. You might use it in a sentence like: 'The detectives meticulously reconstructed the events leading up to the incident.' They must ensure that all evidence is collected according to legal standards so it can be used in court. The term also encompasses private investigators who work outside the government.
At the C1 level, 'detectives' is a term that carries connotations of systematic inquiry and forensic precision. It is used in professional, legal, and academic contexts to describe individuals who engage in high-level investigative work. You should be able to discuss the nuances between different types of detectives, such as 'undercover detectives' or 'forensic detectives'. For example: 'The detectives' nuanced understanding of criminal psychology allowed them to anticipate the suspect's next move.' The word can also be used metaphorically in fields like journalism or science to describe someone who uncovers hidden truths through rigorous research.
At the C2 level, 'detectives' represents the pinnacle of investigative methodology and cognitive analysis. The term is often used in complex discourse regarding the efficacy of law enforcement, the ethics of surveillance, and the evolution of forensic science. You might analyze the portrayal of detectives in literature as a reflection of societal anxieties. An example sentence: 'The detectives navigated a labyrinthine web of corruption, demonstrating an unparalleled tenacity in their pursuit of justice.' At this level, you understand the historical development of the detective role and its critical function in the modern judicial system, as well as the sociopolitical implications of their work.

detectives 30秒了解

  • Detectives are specialized investigators who solve crimes and mysteries through evidence collection.
  • They typically work for police forces or as private investigators, often in plain clothes.
  • Their primary duties include interviewing witnesses, analyzing data, and examining crime scenes.
  • The role requires strong analytical skills, patience, and a deep understanding of the law.

The term detectives refers to specialized individuals whose primary professional focus is the systematic investigation of crimes, the gathering of evidence, and the ultimate resolution of legal or personal mysteries. While the general public often conflates them with standard police officers, detectives occupy a distinct tier within the law enforcement hierarchy or operate independently as private investigators. Their work is characterized by analytical depth, patience, and a keen eye for detail that transcends the immediate response duties of a patrol officer. When people use this word, they are usually invoking the image of a person who looks beneath the surface of an event to find the hidden truth.

Professional Context
In law enforcement, detectives are typically experienced officers who have been promoted to an investigative unit. They do not wear uniforms, allowing them to blend into environments to conduct surveillance or interview witnesses without the immediate stigma or intimidation associated with a police uniform.

After the initial patrol arrived, the detectives took over the crime scene to begin the forensic analysis.

The use of the word extends into the private sector as well. Private detectives are hired by individuals or corporations to uncover information regarding infidelity, corporate espionage, or missing persons. Regardless of their employer, the core identity of a detective remains the same: a seeker of facts in a world of uncertainty. They utilize a combination of technological tools, such as DNA profiling and digital forensics, and old-fashioned 'shoe-leather' detective work, which involves knocking on doors and talking to people who might know something.

Cultural Nuance
The word carries a heavy weight of mystery and intelligence. In literature and film, detectives like Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot have shaped our understanding of the word as a symbol of pure logic and deductive reasoning.

The lead detectives spent hours reviewing the security footage for any sign of the suspect.

Historically, the term gained prominence in the mid-19th century with the establishment of formal detective branches in police forces like Scotland Yard. Before this, 'thief-takers' operated in a much less organized and often corrupt manner. The modern detective represents a shift toward scientific and ethical investigation. They are the bridge between a chaotic crime and the structured environment of a courtroom, ensuring that the evidence they find is legally admissible and logically sound.

Homicide detectives are often called to scenes in the middle of the night.

Functional Role
Their primary role is not just to find the 'who' but also the 'how' and 'why'. This involves creating a timeline of events and establishing a motive, which is crucial for a successful prosecution.

Cyber detectives track digital footprints across the dark web to stop hackers.

The detectives interviewed the victim's family to understand his daily routine.

Using the word detectives correctly requires an understanding of its plural nature and its role as a subject or object in a sentence. Since it is the plural form of 'detective', it usually follows plural verb agreement. For example, 'The detectives are investigating' rather than 'is investigating'. It is a countable noun, meaning you can have one detective or twenty detectives. In a sentence, they are often the 'doers'—the agents of action who analyze, search, and discover.

Active Voice Usage
When detectives are the subject, the verbs used are typically analytical or physical. Common verbs include: examine, question, deduce, track, and arrest.

The detectives meticulously searched the apartment for any hidden compartments.

You can also use 'detectives' in the possessive form: detectives'. This is used when referring to something that belongs to a group of investigators, such as 'the detectives' office' or 'the detectives' report'. Note the placement of the apostrophe after the 's' to indicate plural possession. If you are referring to just one detective's item, it would be 'the detective's report'.

Passive Voice Usage
Sometimes the detectives are the ones being acted upon, though this is less common. Example: 'The detectives were assigned to the cold case by the Chief of Police.'

Several detectives were honored for their bravery during the hostage situation.

In descriptive writing, 'detectives' can be modified by adjectives that specify their department or their quality. You might read about 'seasoned detectives' (experienced), 'rookie detectives' (new), 'undercover detectives' (working in disguise), or 'narcotics detectives' (specializing in drug crimes). These modifiers help the reader understand the specific context of the investigation.

The detectives from the fraud squad uncovered a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme.

Compound Sentences
Detectives often work in pairs, so you will frequently see them mentioned together. 'The detectives entered the building, and they immediately noticed the smell of smoke.'

Despite the lack of physical evidence, the detectives managed to secure a confession.

The detectives coordinated with the FBI to track the suspect across state lines.

The word detectives is ubiquitous in modern culture, appearing in news broadcasts, entertainment, and everyday conversation. In the realm of news, you will hear it during reports on local crime. News anchors often say, 'Detectives are currently on the scene,' or 'Detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect.' This usage emphasizes the active, ongoing nature of an investigation. It provides a sense of authority and progress to a story that might otherwise seem chaotic.

Media and Entertainment
The 'Police Procedural' is one of the most popular genres in television and film. Shows like 'Law & Order', 'Sherlock', and 'True Detective' have made the word a household name. In these contexts, detectives are often portrayed as flawed but brilliant heroes.

In many TV shows, the detectives solve a complex murder case in just under an hour.

In the literary world, 'detective fiction' is a massive genre. From the 'Golden Age' mysteries of Agatha Christie to the 'Hardboiled' noir of Raymond Chandler, detectives are the central figures who restore order to a world disrupted by crime. You'll hear the word discussed in book clubs, literature classes, and at film festivals. The archetype of the detective—trench coat, magnifying glass, or high-tech lab—is a powerful visual and linguistic shorthand for the pursuit of truth.

Legal and Formal Settings
In a courtroom, the word is used with great precision. A defense attorney might cross-examine the detectives who handled the evidence, or a judge might refer to the detectives' testimony in their ruling.

The detectives were called to the stand to explain how they obtained the search warrant.

Furthermore, the word has entered the digital age. We now hear about 'internet detectives' or 'armchair detectives'—ordinary citizens who use social media and public records to investigate mysteries or crimes from their own homes. While not professional, the use of the word 'detectives' in this context highlights the universal human desire to solve puzzles and find answers. Whether in a high-stakes police precinct or a Reddit thread, the word signifies a commitment to investigation.

Amateur detectives on the internet often spend years trying to solve cold cases.

Professional Jargon
Within the police force, 'the detectives' often refers to the entire investigative division, distinguishing them from 'patrol' or 'administration'.

The detectives worked through the weekend to process the new evidence.

The detectives used a thermal camera to locate the suspect hiding in the warehouse.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word detectives is confusing it with the general term 'police officers'. While all police detectives are police officers, not all police officers are detectives. Using 'detectives' to describe a uniformed officer directing traffic is factually incorrect. Detectives specifically focus on the investigative phase of law enforcement, usually after a crime has been reported and the immediate danger has passed.

Spelling and Pronunciation
Spelling 'detectives' with an 'a' (detectaves) or forgetting the 'c' (detetives) are common errors. Pronunciation-wise, the stress should be on the second syllable: de-TEC-tives. Misplacing the stress can make the word difficult for native speakers to recognize.

Incorrect: The detectives is coming. Correct: The detectives are coming.

Another mistake involves the misuse of the word 'investigator'. While they are synonyms, 'investigator' is a broader term. You can be a 'fire investigator' or an 'insurance investigator' without being a detective. 'Detective' usually implies a law enforcement or private eye context. Using 'detective' for a scientist investigating a chemical reaction is a metaphorical use, but in a literal sense, it is incorrect.

Contextual Errors
Learners sometimes use 'detectives' when they mean 'spies'. Detectives solve crimes within a legal framework; spies gather intelligence for national security, often operating outside of local laws. They are very different professions.

The detectives (not spies) spent weeks building a case against the local gang leader.

Finally, be careful with the word 'sleuth'. While it's a fun synonym for detective, it's quite informal or literary. You wouldn't use it in a formal police report or a serious news article. Stick to 'detectives' for professional contexts. Also, avoid the mistake of thinking detectives only work on murders; they work on everything from white-collar crime to missing pets (in the case of private detectives).

Financial detectives are experts at following the money trail in complex tax evasion cases.

Verb Agreement
Always ensure your verb matches the plural 'detectives'. 'The detectives have found a clue' is correct; 'The detectives has found a clue' is not.

The detectives were frustrated by the lack of cooperation from the witnesses.

The detectives carefully bagged the evidence to prevent contamination.

While detectives is the standard term, several other words can be used depending on the context, formality, and specific role being described. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and choose the right word for the right situation. The most common alternative is 'investigators', which is a broader, more functional term.

Investigator vs. Detective
'Investigators' is often used in official documents or for non-police roles (e.g., private investigators, fire investigators). 'Detectives' usually implies a specific rank or role within a police department.

The lead detectives collaborated with federal investigators on the cross-border case.

In literature and older films, you might encounter the word 'sleuth'. This is a more whimsical or classic term, often used for amateur detectives like Nancy Drew. Another slang term from the mid-20th century is 'gumshoe', referring to the rubber-soled shoes detectives wore to walk quietly while tailing suspects. While 'gumshoe' is rarely used in serious conversation today, it's common in 'noir' fiction and retro-themed media.

Specialized Roles
Terms like 'Agent' (as in FBI Agent) or 'Officer' (as in Intelligence Officer) are used when the person works for a national or international agency rather than a local police force.

The detectives handed over the case to the federal agents once the scope became national.

In informal settings, people might use 'P.I.' (Private Investigator) or 'Private Eye'. These specifically refer to detectives who are not part of the police. In British slang, a detective might be called a 'busy' or a 'copper', though these are often used for all police officers. Understanding these variations allows you to navigate different social and professional environments with ease.

Local detectives often have a love-hate relationship with private eyes who interfere in their cases.

Comparison Table
Detective: Professional, police-linked. Sleuth: Literary, often amateur. Investigator: Functional, broad. Agent: Federal, high-level.

The detectives used their extensive network of informants to locate the hideout.

The detectives analyzed the ballistic reports to identify the weapon used.

How Formal Is It?

正式

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中性

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非正式

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Child friendly

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俚语

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趣味小知识

The term 'detective' as a noun for a person didn't become common until the 1840s. Before that, people were just called 'police officers' or 'investigators'.

发音指南

UK /dɪˈtektɪvz/
US /dəˈtektɪvz/
de-TEC-tives
押韵词
perspectives objectives directives collectives electives connectives infectives protectives
常见错误
  • Stressing the first syllable (DE-tectives)
  • Pronouncing the 'c' as an 's'
  • Changing the 'v' to an 'f'
  • Adding an extra vowel sound at the end
  • Mispelling it as 'detectaves'

难度评级

阅读 3/5

Common word in news and fiction, easy to recognize.

写作 4/5

Spelling and plural possessive can be tricky.

口语 3/5

Stress on the second syllable is important.

听力 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually easy to hear.

接下来学什么

前置知识

police crime find work man

接下来学习

investigation evidence witness suspect clue

高级

forensics interrogation surveillance deduction jurisdiction

需要掌握的语法

Plural Noun Agreement

The detectives ARE (not IS) here.

Plural Possessive Apostrophe

The detectives' (not detective's) office is down the hall.

Capitalization of Titles

I spoke with Detective Miller and Detective Jones.

Countable Nouns

There were three detectives at the scene.

Collective Nouns

The detective squad (singular) is (singular) investigating.

按水平分级的例句

1

The detectives find the lost dog.

Los detectives encuentran al perro perdido.

Plural subject 'detectives' takes the plural verb 'find'.

2

Two detectives are at the door.

Dos detectives están en la puerta.

Use 'are' with plural 'detectives'.

3

Detectives help people.

Los detectives ayudan a la gente.

Simple present tense for a general truth.

4

The detectives look for clues.

Los detectives buscan pistas.

Plural noun 'detectives'.

5

She wants to be one of the detectives.

Ella quiere ser uno de los detectives.

'One of the' is followed by a plural noun.

6

The detectives are very smart.

Los detectives son muy inteligentes.

Adjective 'smart' describes the noun 'detectives'.

7

Where are the detectives?

¿Dónde están los detectives?

Question form with 'are'.

8

The detectives see the man.

Los detectives ven al hombre.

Plural subject-verb agreement.

1

The detectives are investigating the robbery.

Los detectives están investigando el robo.

Present continuous tense.

2

Detectives often wear normal clothes.

Los detectives a menudo usan ropa normal.

Adverb of frequency 'often' before the verb.

3

The detectives asked many questions.

Los detectives hicieron muchas preguntas.

Past simple tense.

4

We saw the detectives on the news.

Vimos a los detectives en las noticias.

Object of the verb 'saw'.

5

The detectives found the stolen money.

Los detectives encontraron el dinero robado.

Past simple of 'find'.

6

Detectives work in the police station.

Los detectives trabajan en la comisaría.

Preposition 'in' for location.

7

Are the detectives coming today?

¿Vienen los detectives hoy?

Interrogative present continuous.

8

The detectives need more information.

Los detectives necesitan más información.

Plural subject 'detectives'.

1

The detectives are following a new lead in the case.

Los detectives están siguiendo una nueva pista en el caso.

Present continuous for an ongoing action.

2

Detectives interviewed all the witnesses at the scene.

Los detectives entrevistaron a todos los testigos en la escena.

Past simple tense.

3

The detectives work in plain clothes to avoid being noticed.

Los detectives trabajan de civil para evitar ser notados.

Use of 'plain clothes' as a specific term.

4

Homicide detectives were called to the apartment building.

Detectives de homicidios fueron llamados al edificio de apartamentos.

Passive voice 'were called'.

5

The detectives analyzed the fingerprints found on the glass.

Los detectives analizaron las huellas dactilares encontradas en el vaso.

Past simple tense.

6

Detectives are searching for the suspect's vehicle.

Los detectives están buscando el vehículo del sospechoso.

Present continuous tense.

7

The detectives managed to solve the mystery quickly.

Los detectives lograron resolver el misterio rápidamente.

Verb 'managed' followed by an infinitive.

8

Many detectives specialize in financial crimes.

Muchos detectives se especializan en delitos financieros.

Verb 'specialize' with preposition 'in'.

1

The detectives meticulously examined the crime scene for forensic evidence.

Los detectives examinaron meticulosamente la escena del crimen en busca de pruebas forenses.

Adverb 'meticulously' modifies 'examined'.

2

Seasoned detectives know that the first 48 hours are crucial.

Los detectives experimentados saben que las primeras 48 horas son cruciales.

Adjective 'seasoned' meaning experienced.

3

The detectives' report provided a detailed timeline of the events.

El informe de los detectives proporcionó una cronología detallada de los hechos.

Plural possessive 'detectives''.

4

Undercover detectives infiltrated the gang to gather intelligence.

Detectives encubiertos se infiltraron en la banda para recopilar información.

Compound noun 'undercover detectives'.

5

The detectives were frustrated by the lack of physical evidence.

Los detectives estaban frustrados por la falta de pruebas físicas.

Passive feeling 'were frustrated'.

6

Detectives are often required to testify in court.

A menudo se requiere que los detectives testifiquen ante el tribunal.

Passive voice 'are required'.

7

The detectives coordinated with international agencies to track the fugitive.

Los detectives se coordinaron con agencias internacionales para rastrear al fugitivo.

Verb 'coordinated' with 'with'.

8

Private detectives are often hired to investigate corporate fraud.

A menudo se contrata a detectives privados para investigar el fraude corporativo.

Adjective 'private' modifies 'detectives'.

1

The detectives' painstaking investigation eventually led to a breakthrough.

La minuciosa investigación de los detectives finalmente condujo a un gran avance.

Adjective 'painstaking' for extreme care.

2

Detectives must balance intuition with empirical evidence.

Los detectives deben equilibrar la intuición con la evidencia empírica.

Modal 'must' for necessity.

3

The detectives were commended for their tenacity in pursuing the cold case.

Los detectives fueron elogiados por su tenacidad al perseguir el caso sin resolver.

Passive voice 'were commended'.

4

Cyber detectives utilize advanced algorithms to trace encrypted communications.

Los ciberdetectives utilizan algoritmos avanzados para rastrear comunicaciones cifradas.

Specialized noun 'cyber detectives'.

5

The detectives' findings were instrumental in securing a conviction.

Los hallazgos de los detectives fueron fundamentales para lograr una condena.

Adjective 'instrumental' meaning very important.

6

Experienced detectives can often spot inconsistencies in a suspect's story.

Los detectives experimentados a menudo pueden detectar inconsistencias en la historia de un sospechoso.

Noun 'inconsistencies' as the object.

7

The detectives operated within a complex legal framework.

Los detectives operaron dentro de un marco legal complejo.

Prepositional phrase 'within a... framework'.

8

Detectives are frequently confronted with ethical dilemmas during investigations.

Los detectives se enfrentan con frecuencia a dilemas éticos durante las investigaciones.

Passive voice 'are confronted'.

1

The detectives navigated a labyrinthine web of deceit to uncover the truth.

Los detectives navegaron por una laberíntica red de engaños para descubrir la verdad.

Metaphorical use of 'navigated' and 'labyrinthine'.

2

The detectives' methodological rigor ensured the integrity of the evidence.

El rigor metodológico de los detectives aseguró la integridad de las pruebas.

Abstract nouns 'rigor' and 'integrity'.

3

Detectives often grapple with the psychological toll of their profession.

Los detectives a menudo luchan con el costo psicológico de su profesión.

Verb 'grapple' for dealing with difficulty.

4

The detectives' synthesis of disparate clues revealed a startling pattern.

La síntesis de pistas dispares de los detectives reveló un patrón sorprendente.

Noun 'synthesis' of 'disparate' items.

5

Detectives serve as the vanguard of the criminal justice system.

Los detectives sirven como la vanguardia del sistema de justicia penal.

Metaphorical use of 'vanguard'.

6

The detectives' interrogation techniques were scrutinized by the defense.

Las técnicas de interrogatorio de los detectives fueron escrutadas por la defensa.

Passive voice 'were scrutinized'.

7

Detectives must remain objective, despite the evocative nature of the crimes.

Los detectives deben permanecer objetivos, a pesar de la naturaleza evocadora de los crímenes.

Adjective 'evocative' for something that triggers emotions.

8

The detectives' legacy was defined by their commitment to cold case resolution.

El legado de los detectives fue definido por su compromiso con la resolución de casos sin resolver.

Passive voice 'was defined'.

常见搭配

homicide detectives
lead detectives
private detectives
seasoned detectives
undercover detectives
detectives' report
police detectives
amateur detectives
detectives investigate
detectives solve

常用短语

playing detective

— Trying to find out information or solve a mystery in an informal way.

Stop playing detective and just ask me where I was.

detective work

— The difficult and detailed process of finding out the truth.

It took some real detective work to find this old photo.

lead detective

— The person in charge of a specific investigation.

The lead detective will give a press conference today.

detective agency

— A business that provides private investigation services.

He opened his own detective agency after retiring.

detective story

— A book or movie about a crime being solved.

I love reading a good detective story before bed.

consulting detective

— A detective who is hired for their expertise but isn't part of the regular police.

Sherlock Holmes called himself a consulting detective.

detective squad

— A group of detectives working together in a police department.

The detective squad is working overtime this week.

detective novel

— A type of fiction focused on solving a crime.

Agatha Christie wrote many famous detective novels.

detective bureau

— The department within a police force where detectives work.

He was promoted to the detective bureau last year.

chief of detectives

— The high-ranking officer who manages all the detectives in a city.

The Chief of Detectives oversaw the entire operation.

容易混淆的词

detectives vs police officers

Detectives are a specific type of police officer; not all officers are detectives.

detectives vs spies

Detectives solve crimes; spies gather secret information for governments.

detectives vs investigators

Investigators is a broader term; detectives usually implies police or P.I.s.

习语与表达

"to do some detective work"

— To investigate something thoroughly.

I had to do some detective work to find the best price.

Informal
"to put on one's detective hat"

— To start thinking analytically to solve a problem.

Let's put on our detective hats and find out why the computer isn't working.

Informal
"no detective needed"

— Something is very obvious.

It's clear he's lying; no detective needed there.

Informal
"the game is afoot"

— The investigation or the action has started (famous Sherlock Holmes quote).

The suspect has been spotted; the game is afoot!

Literary
"elementary, my dear Watson"

— Something is very simple to understand (often attributed to Sherlock Holmes).

How did I know? Elementary, my dear Watson.

Informal/Humorous
"to follow the paper trail"

— To investigate by looking at financial or written records.

The detectives followed the paper trail to the offshore account.

Neutral
"to crack a case"

— To solve a difficult crime.

The detectives finally cracked the case after two years.

Informal
"to be on the case"

— To be actively investigating or working on a problem.

Don't worry, the detectives are on the case.

Neutral
"to connect the dots"

— To see the relationship between different pieces of information.

The detectives were the first to connect the dots between the two robberies.

Neutral
"to leave no stone unturned"

— To search everywhere and try everything to find the truth.

The detectives left no stone unturned in their search for the witness.

Neutral

容易混淆

detectives vs Inspector

Both are police ranks.

Inspector is often a higher administrative rank, while detective is a functional role.

The Inspector managed the station, but the detectives solved the murder.

detectives vs Agent

Both investigate crimes.

Agent usually refers to federal employees (FBI, CIA), while detective refers to local police.

The FBI agents worked with the local detectives.

detectives vs Sleuth

Both mean someone who investigates.

Sleuth is more literary or informal; detective is professional.

The novel's young sleuth was smarter than the city detectives.

detectives vs Officer

Both work for the police.

Officer usually refers to uniformed patrol; detective refers to plain-clothes investigators.

The officer secured the scene before the detectives arrived.

detectives vs Bounty Hunter

Both look for people.

Bounty hunters look for fugitives for money; detectives investigate crimes for the state.

The detectives arrested him, but the bounty hunter found him first.

句型

A1

The detectives [verb].

The detectives find the cat.

A2

The detectives are [verb-ing].

The detectives are looking for clues.

B1

Detectives [verb] to [verb].

Detectives work to solve crimes.

B2

The detectives' [noun] was [adjective].

The detectives' report was very long.

C1

By [verb-ing], the detectives [verb].

By analyzing the data, the detectives found the suspect.

C2

The detectives, [verb-ing], [verb].

The detectives, having exhausted all leads, turned to the public.

B1

If the detectives [verb], they will [verb].

If the detectives find the gun, they will catch him.

B2

Detectives are known for [verb-ing].

Detectives are known for being very patient.

词族

名词

动词

形容词

相关

如何使用

frequency

Very common in media, news, and literature.

常见错误
  • The detectives is investigating. The detectives are investigating.

    Detectives is a plural noun and requires a plural verb.

  • I saw the detectaves. I saw the detectives.

    The word is spelled with an 'i', not an 'a'.

  • The detective's are here. The detectives are here.

    Do not use an apostrophe for a simple plural.

  • The detectives uniform is blue. The detectives' uniforms are blue.

    Detectives usually don't wear uniforms, and the possessive needs an apostrophe after the 's'.

  • The detectives found the thiefs. The detectives found the thieves.

    The plural of thief is thieves.

小贴士

Plural Agreement

Always use 'are' or 'were' with 'detectives'. Never say 'The detectives is'.

Specific Types

Learn specific types like 'homicide detectives' or 'narcotics detectives' to be more precise.

The 'C' is Key

Don't forget the 'c' in the middle of de-te-C-tives. It comes from 'detect'.

Middle Stress

Put the emphasis on the 'TEC' part of the word: de-TEC-tives.

Plain Clothes

Use the phrase 'plain clothes' when describing how detectives dress for work.

Active Verbs

Pair 'detectives' with strong verbs like 'scrutinized', 'interrogated', or 'deduced'.

Fictional vs Real

Remember that real detectives do much more paperwork than the ones on TV!

Context Clues

If you hear 'crime scene' or 'evidence', the word 'detectives' is likely nearby.

Title Usage

When using it as a title, capitalize it: 'I saw Detective Miller today.'

Root Word

Connect it to 'detect' (to find). Detectives are people who find things.

记住它

记忆技巧

DETectives DETect DETails. (The first three letters are the same, and that's exactly what they do!)

视觉联想

Imagine a person in a long coat holding a magnifying glass over a footprint. The magnifying glass represents the 'detection' of small things.

Word Web

Police Crime Evidence Clues Mystery Investigation Court Truth

挑战

Try to write a short story (5 sentences) using the word 'detectives' at least three times in different contexts.

词源

The word 'detective' comes from the Latin 'detectus', which is the past participle of 'detegere', meaning 'to uncover' or 'to expose'. It is composed of 'de-' (un-) and 'tegere' (to cover).

原始含义: Originally, it meant to uncover something that was hidden.

Indo-European -> Italic -> Latin -> English

文化背景

Be aware that in some contexts, the word can be associated with surveillance and loss of privacy.

In the US and UK, detectives are often portrayed as 'lone wolves' who break the rules to get results, though real detectives follow strict legal procedures.

Sherlock Holmes (Arthur Conan Doyle) Hercule Poirot (Agatha Christie) Columbo (TV Series)

在生活中练习

真实语境

Police Station

  • Where is the detective bureau?
  • I need to speak to the detectives.
  • The detectives are busy.
  • Are the detectives in?

News Report

  • Detectives are on the scene.
  • Detectives have no leads.
  • Detectives are asking for help.
  • Detectives made an arrest.

Crime Fiction

  • The detectives found a clue.
  • The detectives solved the case.
  • The detectives questioned the suspect.
  • The detectives followed him.

Legal/Court

  • The detectives' testimony.
  • The detectives' evidence.
  • Cross-examine the detectives.
  • The detectives' report.

Everyday Life

  • Stop being a detective.
  • I did some detective work.
  • He's a private detective.
  • I love detective shows.

对话开场白

"Do you enjoy watching TV shows about detectives solving crimes?"

"If you were one of the detectives, what kind of crime would you want to solve?"

"Have you ever had to do some detective work to find something you lost?"

"Who is the most famous of all the fictional detectives in your country?"

"Do you think being one of the detectives is a dangerous job?"

日记主题

Write about a day in the life of two detectives working on a mysterious case in a big city.

Do you think real-life detectives are different from the ones we see in movies? Explain why.

If you hired private detectives, what would you want them to find out for you and why?

Describe a time when you felt like one of the detectives because you solved a small mystery.

Discuss the importance of detectives in maintaining safety and justice in a modern society.

常见问题

10 个问题

A detective is a specialized police officer. While patrol officers respond to emergencies and wear uniforms, detectives investigate crimes after they happen and usually wear plain clothes.

In many cities and in movies, detectives work in pairs for safety and to have a second set of eyes on the evidence, but it depends on the department's rules.

In most public police forces, you must serve as a uniformed officer for several years before you can apply to become a detective. Private detectives, however, have different requirements.

They spend a lot of time doing paperwork, interviewing people, looking at evidence, and sometimes waiting (surveillance) to see if a suspect does something suspicious.

No, the singular is 'detective'. Use 'detectives' when talking about two or more people.

It is 'detectives''. You put the apostrophe after the 's'. Example: 'The detectives' cars are outside.'

Yes, they are real people hired by individuals or companies to find information. They are not part of the government police force.

These are detectives who work on very old crimes that were never solved. They look at old evidence with new technology.

Yes, most police detectives carry a weapon for protection, even though they don't wear a uniform.

They wear suits or professional clothes to look official when talking to witnesses or appearing in court, but also to blend in better than a uniform would.

自我测试 180 个问题

writing

Write a sentence using 'detectives' and 'clues'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Describe what detectives do in three sentences.

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writing

Write a short dialogue between two detectives.

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writing

Explain the difference between a detective and a police officer.

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writing

Write a story title that includes the word 'detectives'.

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writing

Use the word 'detectives' in a formal sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'undercover detectives'.

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writing

Describe a detective's office.

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writing

Write a sentence using the possessive 'detectives''.

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writing

What skills do detectives need? List three.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'private detectives'.

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writing

Use 'detectives' in a question.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'homicide detectives'.

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writing

Use 'detectives' and 'evidence' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'cyber detectives'.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'seasoned detectives'.

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writing

Use 'detectives' and 'witnesses' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'detective work'.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'detective novels'.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'detective agency'.

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speaking

Describe a detective you have seen in a movie.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Would you like to be one of the detectives? Why or why not?

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speaking

What is the most important skill for detectives?

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speaking

Talk about a mystery you solved in your own life.

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speaking

How do detectives help the community?

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speaking

What is the difference between a detective and a spy?

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speaking

Do you think 'internet detectives' are helpful?

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speaking

Why do detectives work in plain clothes?

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speaking

What kind of tools do modern detectives use?

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speaking

Discuss a famous detective story you know.

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speaking

What are the challenges of being a detective?

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speaking

How has technology changed the way detectives work?

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speaking

Do you think real detectives are like the ones on TV?

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speaking

What would you do if you found a clue to a crime?

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speaking

Is it better to work alone or in a team of detectives?

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speaking

What makes a detective 'seasoned'?

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speaking

How do detectives interview suspects?

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speaking

Why is 'detective work' a common phrase?

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speaking

What is the role of a 'lead detective'?

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speaking

Can detectives make mistakes? What happens then?

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen and identify: 'The detectives are at the crime scene.' What are they doing?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'Detectives found the stolen car.' What did they find?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'The detectives' report was very detailed.' How was the report?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'Homicide detectives are investigating the case.' Which detectives are working?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'The detectives interviewed three witnesses.' How many witnesses?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'Detectives often work undercover.' How do they work?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'The detectives' investigation took months.' How long did it take?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'Private detectives were hired to find him.' Who was hired?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'The detectives analyzed the fingerprints.' What did they analyze?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'The lead detectives are speaking now.' Who is speaking?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'Detectives use logic to solve cases.' What do they use?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'The detectives' office is on the fifth floor.' Where is the office?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'Seasoned detectives know the truth.' Who knows the truth?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'The detectives were frustrated by the lack of clues.' Why were they frustrated?

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listening

Listen and identify: 'Detectives must follow the rules.' What must they follow?

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/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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