a trace of sand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trace of sand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount or remnant of sand, often in contexts related to nature, travel, or cleanliness. Example: "After a day at the beach, I found a trace of sand in my shoes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gwen Welliver, in "Portraits 1-3," joins Kayvon Pourazar for a series of duets on a sheet of paper covered with fine black sand, which leaves a trace of their dance.

The New Yorker

If a product or place is unlucky enough to have a trace of a bad chemical, then it must be labeled even beach sand isn't immune.

Forbes

He walked around and found sand in the streets and here and there a trace of a trolley track in the worn-out concrete.

The New Yorker

An old city where the shadows still hold a trace of vanished occupants, where detailed buildings, patiently reconquered by nature, suddenly still are there, sand castles.

The New York Times

In the piece, Remnick described his initial impression of the writer: To meet DeLillo, at first, is to meet someone who seems to have sanded away all trace of the authorial ego or personal affect: his voice is a flat, wry monotone with just a trace of Bronx; he wears enormous and very thick glasses; his clothes tend toward mail-order jeans, denim work shirts, chinos.

The New Yorker

Not a trace of mud.

Independent

A trace of perfume.

The Guardian

A trace of cushion.

The Guardian - Film

Without a trace of a smile, Mlle.

The New York Times

There was a trace of woodworm damage.

The New Yorker

A trace of mineral smoke rises.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, use "a trace of sand" to subtly suggest a coastal or desert environment without explicitly stating it. For instance, "The wind carried a trace of sand, hinting at the nearby dunes."

Common error

Avoid using "a trace of sand" metaphorically when a more direct or appropriate phrase would be clearer. Overusing it can make your writing sound cliché or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trace of sand" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as an object or complement in a sentence, describing the presence of a minimal amount of sand. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a trace of sand" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a minimal amount of sand. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It commonly appears in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral register. Its purpose is to subtly indicate the presence of sand, adding sensory detail to descriptions. Consider alternatives like "a speck of sand" or "a hint of sand" for slightly different nuances. While versatile, avoid overuse in non-literal contexts to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a speck of sand

Emphasizes an even smaller amount of sand.

a hint of sand

Suggests a very subtle presence of sand, almost undetectable.

a grain of sand

Refers to a single, individual particle of sand.

a dusting of sand

Implies a light covering or scattering of sand.

a residue of sand

Focuses on the sand that remains after something else has been removed.

a particle of sand

Highlights the individual nature of the sand component.

a small amount of sand

States directly that the quantity of sand is not large.

a scattering of sand

Indicates that the sand is dispersed loosely.

residual sand

Focuses on sand that remains after a process or event.

a faint presence of sand

Emphasizes the minimal and almost imperceptible quantity of sand.

FAQs

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

You can use "a trace of sand" to describe a small amount of sand, such as "After the beach trip, there was "a trace of sand" in my car" or "The wind carried "a trace of sand" from the desert".

What are some alternatives to "a trace of sand"?

Alternatives include "a speck of sand", "a hint of sand", or "a grain of sand", depending on the specific amount you want to convey.

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

Yes, it is appropriate, but consider whether more precise language might be better suited. In many formal contexts, you can be more specific about the type or origin of the sand.

What does it mean when someone says there's "a trace of sand"?

It typically means there is a very small amount of sand present. It suggests a minimal quantity, often left behind or carried by wind or other means.