a long trail of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long trail of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or extensive series of events, actions, or items that follow one after another. Example: "The detective followed a long trail of clues that led him to the suspect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This life often carries a long trail of loss.

The New York Times

But it left a long trail of anti-LSD feeling".

The Guardian

MWT's series follows a long trail of footprints.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is now a four-horse affair, with a long trail of also-rans.

The Economist

A long trail of aggrieved investors and employees had no doubt who was to blame.

The Economist

The Rosenbergs were helped by their wealth, their luck and a long trail of paper.

The New York Times - Arts

It's just "a long trail of passing trade" and that's only "good for the ego".

The Guardian

I could see a long trail of visits to orthopaedic surgeons and an arthroscopy looming ahead.

The Guardian

Every visit home ended with a difficult goodbye, followed by a long trail of anxiety and guilt.

The New York Times

More important, who knew — I sure didn't — that bin Laden had left behind such a long trail of words?

The New York Times - Books

But more recently, agents discovered, Dr. Ivins had left a long trail of online postings about Kappa Kappa Gamma.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a long trail of", ensure the items or events you are describing are genuinely connected or consequential to each other. This strengthens the phrase's impact and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a long trail of" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "a lengthy series of" or "a prolonged succession of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long trail of" functions as a determiner and noun phrase, modifying a subsequent noun to indicate an extensive series or sequence of related items or events. This is consistent with Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a long trail of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, denoting an extensive series or sequence of connected items or events. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to highlight duration, impact, or interconnectedness. When writing, ensure genuine connections exist between the items described and avoid overuse by utilizing alternatives such as "a lengthy series of" or "a prolonged succession of" to enhance clarity and reader engagement. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse communicative purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lengthy series of

Focuses on the sequential aspect with an emphasis on duration or extent.

a prolonged succession of

Highlights the extended and continuous nature of the sequence.

a considerable string of

Emphasizes the significant number or impact of items in the sequence.

a substantial chain of

Implies a linked or connected series that has a notable presence.

an extensive aftermath of

Specifically refers to the consequences or results that follow an event.

a significant wake of

Similar to 'aftermath', but often used in a more figurative sense, especially concerning effects or impact.

a notable history of

Suggests a record or background marked by a particular trend or event.

a marked pattern of

Highlights consistent and recognizable instances over time.

a consequential series of

Underscores the importance or significance of the linked events or items.

a notable record of

Emphasizes an official or documented sequence of events.

FAQs

How can I use "a long trail of" in a sentence?

You can use "a long trail of" to describe a series of connected events or consequences, such as "The scandal left "a long trail of" damaged reputations".

What are some alternatives to "a long trail of"?

Alternatives include "a lengthy series of", "a prolonged succession of", or "an extensive aftermath of", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a long trail of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a long trail of" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reports, academic papers, or professional documents where you need to describe a sequence of events or consequences.

What's the difference between "a long trail of" and "a long list of"?

"A long trail of" implies a sequence with connections or consequences, while "a long list of"/s/a+long+list+of simply refers to a large number of items without necessarily implying any connection between them.