a trace of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a trace of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the presence of a small amount of a particular thing. For example, "There was a trace of fear in his voice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not a trace of mud.

Independent

There was a trace of woodworm damage.

The New Yorker

A trace of perfume.

The Guardian

A trace of mineral smoke rises.

The New York Times

A trace of cushion.

The Guardian - Film

Without a trace of a smile, Mlle.

The New York Times

It is a trace of human behavior.

The New York Times - Books

Alba listened without a trace of annoyance.

Harvard Business Review

Now there's barely a trace of it".

The New York Times - Books

They're poetic, a trace of a trace".

The Guardian - Arts

Not a trace of him was left.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sensory experiences (smell, taste), "a trace of" can effectively convey nuanced characteristics without overwhelming the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a trace of" when a more specific adjective would provide a clearer and more impactful description. For example, instead of "a trace of bitterness", consider "slightly bitter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trace of" primarily functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a small quantity or subtle presence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A trace of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a small amount or subtle indication of something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, including news, formal writing, and academia. Alternatives like "a hint of" or "a touch of" can offer slightly different nuances. While effective for conveying subtlety, avoid overuse in situations where a stronger descriptor is more appropriate. Ultimately, mastering this phrase enhances precision and clarity in written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of

Suggests a slight or subtle indication, focusing on the perceptible quality of something.

a touch of

Emphasizes a delicate or minimal presence, often relating to a quality or characteristic.

a tinge of

Implies a slight coloring or influence, particularly regarding emotions or sensations.

a shadow of

Conveys a faint or lingering presence, often associated with something diminishing or fading.

a vestige of

Indicates a remaining sign or evidence of something that no longer exists fully.

an element of

Highlights the inclusion of something as a component or part of a larger whole.

a glimmer of

Suggests a brief or faint sign of hope, understanding or light.

a suspicion of

Expresses a slight feeling or belief without concrete evidence.

a suspicion of

Indicates a feeling or belief without sufficient evidence.

a suspicion of

Expresses a slight feeling or belief without concrete evidence.

FAQs

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

Use "a trace of" to indicate a small amount or subtle presence of something. For instance, "There was "a trace of sadness" in her voice" suggests she was slightly sad.

What are some alternatives to "a trace of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a hint of", "a touch of", or "a tinge of" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "without a trace of"?

Yes, "without "a trace of"" is a correct and common expression used to indicate the complete absence of something. For example, "He disappeared without "a trace of"" means he vanished completely.

What is the difference between "a trace of" and "a hint of"?

While both phrases suggest a small amount, ""a trace of"" often implies something barely perceptible, while ""a hint of"" suggests something more noticeable but still subtle.