a trace of snow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trace of snow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount or remnant of snow that is still present, often after a snowfall has occurred. Example: "After the storm passed, there was only a trace of snow left on the ground, barely covering the grass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But on March 18 , 1970 there was a trace of snow in Central Park.

The New York Times

In eastern Massachusetts, where the storm brought rain and high winds — but only a trace of snow — about 68,000 customers were without power Friday afternoon.

The New York Times

For the first time since Federal officials began keeping weather records in 1869, the month of February has passed without a trace of snow falling in Central Park.

The New York Times

Twenty-five Twenty-five and fiftythe errors observed by the students and NWS stations, respercently, ofcurred when thererrorsobservedrace of snow.

Remote Sensing of Environment

There was a trace of snow when we drove up the logging road that runs for about 11 miles along the Dead Diamond from the Grant's Gate Camp to Hellgate Gorge.

The New York Times - Sports

A hard gray helmet of clouds that promised to warm the hearts of cold-weather lovers deposited no more than a trace of snow in the city, not even enough for meteorologists to bother to measure.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It was a mild October day in Hollywood, but a trace of artificial snow remained on the ground as Neil deGrasse Tyson, the director of the Hayden Planetarium, at the American Museum of Natural History, walked around a back lot at Paramount Studios.

The New Yorker

The earliest trace of snow in a season was Oct. 10, in 1925 and again in 1979.

The New York Times

Under the sweater each varsity man is a Prince on a horse; there is probably more than a trace of Red Grange in every Snow White.

The New Yorker

Trace of snow is less than.05 inch.

Columbia University

Monday (and the trace of snow the weather service recorded yesterday) made this the fourth snowiest winter in the last 35 years, and the 26th snowiest in the 133 winters that weather records have been kept for Central Park.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trace of snow" to vividly describe situations where snow is barely present, adding a touch of winter atmosphere without implying significant accumulation. This works well in descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a trace of snow" in scientific or technical reports where precise measurements are required. Instead, use specific quantitative data, such as snow depth in millimeters or inches.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trace of snow" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI shows it's frequently used in descriptive contexts to denote a minimal amount of snow. The examples illustrate its use in setting a scene or describing weather conditions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trace of snow" is a noun phrase used to describe a very small amount of snow. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in descriptive writing, particularly in news and media, to set a winter scene. When writing, use it to evoke a sense of minimal snow presence, but avoid overuse in technical contexts where precise measurements are necessary. Remember that similar phrases like ""a dusting of snow"" or ""a hint of snow"" can provide nuanced variations to this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dusting of snow

Focuses on the light covering aspect.

a hint of snow

Emphasizes the minimal presence of snow.

a light snow covering

Highlights the superficial coverage provided by the snow.

a sprinkling of snow

Conveys the idea of snow being lightly scattered.

minimal snow accumulation

Focuses on the lack of significant buildup.

slight snow residue

Emphasizes that what remains is a remnant.

a mere skim of snow

Suggests an extremely thin layer of snow.

residual snow flurries

Highlights lingering, light snowfalls.

a fleeting snow presence

Stresses the temporary nature of the snow.

scant snow remains

Focuses on the very small amount of snow that's left.

FAQs

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

You can use "a trace of snow" to describe a very small amount of snow, such as "There was "a trace of snow" on the rooftops this morning".

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

You can use alternatives like "a dusting of snow", "a hint of snow", or "a light snow covering" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a trace of snows"?

No, the plural form "snows" is generally used to refer to different types of snow or multiple snowfall events. For a small amount of snow, "a trace of snow" is the correct and more common usage.

What's the difference between "a trace of snow" and "a lot of snow"?

"A trace of snow" indicates a very small amount, almost negligible, while "a lot of snow" refers to a significant accumulation, implying substantial coverage and impact.