a slight trace of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight trace of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or faint amount of something, often in contexts related to physical characteristics, flavors, or emotions. Example: "The dish had a slight trace of garlic, enhancing its overall flavor without overpowering it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In addition, due to slight misalignments of the hard drive, each of the bits often holds a slight trace of the previous magnetic state that it was in.

Cornell University

She also has a slight trace of what autism specialists call "mind-blindness" - a difficulty conceiving what other people might be thinking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As he began this historical exposition, Viktor put down a rather large bottle of beer and spoke carefully with just a slight trace of an intoxicated slur.

The New York Times

He had a curious way of speaking: very English, clipped, precise to the point of being old-fashioned and high-pitched, with a slight trace of an upper-class stutter — hardly more than an occasional hesitation in the middle of a word — and a tendency to turn every sentence into a question.

The New Yorker

She didn't smile and there was a slight trace of fear in her voice.

HuffPost

There is only a slight trace of a Scottish accent when Richardson tries to vocalize her feelings for Castlemilk.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

His voice bore the slight trace of a northern accent, of which Julian was proud.

The Guardian

On Selsley Hill, in the parish of King Stanley, two and a half miles south-west of Stroud, there are slight traces of a British camp.

University of Chicago

At the south-east corner of Michaelwood Chase, in the parish of Berkeley, there are slight traces of an ancient camp.

University of Chicago

The devices, borne by aircraft, towed behind vehicles or carried by soldiers, can sense slight traces of heat on a cold mountainside, the hum of a buried generator, the magnetic signals from electrical wires.

The New York Times

It states that a FIFA official, Mihailo Andrejevic, wrote to the German Athletic Association regarding slight traces of the banned stimulant ephedrine in three of Germany's players in that match.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slight trace of" when you want to indicate a subtle presence or influence without exaggeration. This phrase is suitable for describing flavors, scents, emotions, or physical characteristics.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight trace of" repeatedly in the same piece of writing, as it can become monotonous. Vary your language with synonyms like "a hint of" or "a touch of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight trace of" functions as a modifier, typically preceding a noun to describe something present in a small or barely perceptible amount. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight trace of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a subtle presence or indication of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable and versatile, fitting well in both formal and informal contexts where precision is valued. While not overly common, it appears frequently in News & Media and academic writing. When aiming for variety, consider using alternatives such as "a hint of" or "a touch of" to add nuance to your writing. Avoiding overuse will keep your descriptions fresh and engaging. Always ensure the phrase is appropriate for the level of formality required by your content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of

Emphasizes subtlety and suggestion rather than a direct presence.

a touch of

Suggests a delicate or minimal addition or influence.

a tinge of

Specifies a slight coloring or emotional tone.

a suggestion of

Highlights that the presence is not direct or overt, but rather implied.

a glimmer of

Implies a fleeting or faint appearance, often used for abstract concepts.

a shadow of

Suggests a weak or residual presence, often associated with something fading.

a vestige of

Indicates a remaining part of something that has largely disappeared.

an element of

Suggests the presence of a component or ingredient.

a suspicion of

Implies a minimal degree of doubt or belief.

a soupçon of

Borrowing from French, it indicates a very small quantity, often in culinary contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "a slight trace of" in a sentence?

You can use "a slight trace of" to indicate a subtle presence or indication of something. For example, "The air had "a slight trace of" smoke" or "She detected "a slight trace of" sadness in his voice".

What's the difference between "a slight trace of" and "a hint of"?

"A slight trace of" and "a hint of" are very similar, both suggesting a subtle presence. "A hint of" might imply something more suggestive or indirect, while "a slight trace of" indicates a small but detectable amount.

What are some synonyms for "a slight trace of"?

Synonyms include "a touch of", "a hint of", "a glimmer of", or "a vestige of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a slight trace of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a slight trace of" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to indicate a small quantity or subtle presence, suitable for academic, business, and journalistic contexts.