a trace of blue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trace of blue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount or hint of the color blue in various contexts, such as art, nature, or fashion. Example: "The artist added a trace of blue to the canvas, giving it a subtle depth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Because of the way the denim pieces were framed and distressed, with barely a trace of blue, they looked a little like sepia prints of a western sky.

The New York Times

There's a trace of blue in the bulging veins of young Abraham Lincoln.

Los Angeles Times

You will notice a black-white gradient with a trace of blue on the left bottom.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And while she sings with more bluster than Ms. Grannis, and has a trace of blues in her voice, her angst becomes onerous over the length of an album, even when leavened by flecks of ska and cabaret music.

The New York Times - Arts

But far from fancying up well-cut pants or smart jackets, there was just a soft flow to his work, as silken outfits came out first in gray, with a trace of dark florals, followed by blue, pink and mauve like a dawn sky breaking.

The New York Times

There was hardly a trace of Yankee blue last night.

The New York Times - Sports

One milligram of protein sample, 7 μL of DTT (1 mol · L−1), and 1.75 μL of IPG buffer (20 mmol · L−1) were solubilized in 350 μL of rehydration solution containing 8 mol · L−1 urea, 2% CHAPS, and a trace of bromophenol blue.

Nanoscale Research Letters

For 2D gel electrophoresis, cells were lysed in 2D sample buffer (8M Urea, 4% CHAPS, 100 mM DTT, 0.05% SDS, 0.5% ampholyte 3 10 and a trace of bromophenol blue) and were rehydrated into 17cm IPG strips (BioRad).

Plosone

After IEF separation, the strips were equilibrated twice for 15 min with 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.8, 6 M Urea, 30% glycerol, 2% SDS and a trace of bromophenol blue.

Plosone

After centrifugation at 19,000 g for 40 min, at 4°C, the supernatant was added with 105 mg of urea, 1.25 mg of CHAPS, 2 µl of Pharmalyte, 2 µl of IPG, 2 mg of DTT in order to obtain a rehydration buffer (8 M urea, 0.5% CHAPS, 1.6% IPG buffer, 1.6% Pharmalyte, 1% DTT), and a trace of bromophenol blue.

Plosone

Thiol groups were subsequently blocked by incubating with 100 ml of a solution containing Tris-HCl (50 mM) pH 6.8, urea (6 M), glycerol (30% v/v), SDS (2% w/v), iodoacetamide (2.5% w/v) and a trace of Bromophenol Blue for 5 min. Three parallel 2-dimensional gels were made.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trace of blue" to subtly indicate the presence of the color blue, especially when it's not the dominant color. For example, "The painting had a trace of blue in the sky, giving it a calming effect."

Common error

Avoid using "a trace of blue" in highly technical or scientific contexts where precise measurements are required. Instead, opt for more quantitative descriptions or specific color codes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trace of blue" primarily functions as a descriptive element, often acting as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates the presence of a small amount or subtle hint of the color blue, as seen in Ludwig's examples describing denim or marble.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trace of blue" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a subtle presence or hint of the color blue. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, primarily in news, science, and wiki sources. While not exceptionally frequent, its nuanced descriptive capability makes it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. When using this phrase, consider the subtle differences between it and alternatives like "a hint of blue" or "a touch of blue" to ensure the most accurate and evocative description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of blue

Uses "hint" instead of "trace", suggesting a slightly less defined presence.

a touch of blue

Substitutes "touch" for "trace", implying a delicate or subtle addition of blue.

a suggestion of blue

Replaces "trace" with "suggestion", indicating a more subtle or indirect presence of blue.

a tinge of blue

Employs "tinge" instead of "trace", suggesting a faint coloring or influence of blue.

a shade of blue

Instead of a trace it describes a specific variation of blue.

a whisper of blue

Uses "whisper" to convey a very faint and subtle presence of blue, more metaphorical than literal.

a mere hint of blue

Adds "mere" to emphasize the smallness of the hint, reinforcing subtlety.

a subtle presence of blue

Replaces "trace" with "subtle presence", focusing on the unobtrusive nature of the blue.

the faintest trace of blue

Adds "faintest" to intensify the subtlety of the blue.

an echo of blue

Uses "echo" metaphorically to indicate a lingering or reflected presence of blue.

FAQs

What does "a trace of blue" mean?

It refers to a very small amount or subtle hint of the color blue, not a significant or dominant presence.

What can I say instead of "a trace of blue"?

You can use alternatives like "a hint of blue", "a touch of blue", or "a suggestion of blue depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "traces of blue" instead of "a trace of blue"?

Yes, but "traces of blue" suggests multiple instances or areas where blue is subtly present, while "a trace of blue" implies a singular, general presence.

How do I use "a trace of blue" in a sentence?

For example, "The artist added "a trace of blue" to the canvas to create depth." or "There was "a trace of blue" in her eyes, barely noticeable but captivating."