a trace of water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trace of water" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount or remnant of water that is present in a particular context, such as in a scientific observation or a descriptive narrative. Example: "After the rain, there was just a trace of water left on the pavement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

You stare into the blanched surfaces of her canvases, noticing a whisper of a form that is not quite audible, become distracted by another notation – a bright pupil, a trace of water – and the picture changes.

The Guardian - Arts

The result of the experiment represents that approximately MEK 85%, 2-Methylpropanal (2-MPA) 16%, and a trace of water were effectively separated to the bottom stream in the ADC.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

A trace of water in the system is very important to the homogeneity and dispersity of obtained Ag NPs.

Nanoscale Research Letters

These researchers are also skeptical that giant blobs of water vapor could plunge from an altitude of 800 kilometers, where Frank says the comets would break up, to less than 100 kilometers while leaving hardly a trace of water along their way.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is of utmost importance to avoid any trace of water in this reaction.

BioMed Research International

Make sure the pan is clear of any trace of water, because the oil crackles and flies everywhere.

WikiHow

Saline lakes and inland seas would add a trace of salt water, or 0.008 percent of the global total.

The New York Times - Science

Some scientists estimate that our planet is home to about 5 trillion trillion bacteria They pack the oceans and the soils; they live just about everywhere they can find even a trace of liquid water.

Yale University

If the concrete mixture experienced an apparent accumulation of CA particles/mortar at the center of the concrete pie or a trace of free water flowing around its parameter, the concrete is assumed to have adequate resistance to segregation and SI = 1.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

For example, if a trace amount of water is used as a dopant, the detector can identify alcohols and compounds with a hydrogen bond, since these compounds interact with the water coated on the wall in the detector cell which makes them stay in the detector cell longer than other compounds.

Journal of Chromatography A

In order to provide a direction in molecular design toward creating a highly-sensitive fluorescence PET (photo-induced electron transfer) sensor for a trace amount of water in organic solvents, we have designed and synthesized anthracene-bis aminomethyl phenylboronic anthracene-bis aminomethyl phenylboronictuent acidwith cyano group, restertively, on the phenylboronic andd ester.

Dyes and Pigments

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scientific experiments, use "a trace of water" to precisely indicate minimal water presence, such as in chemical reactions where water can act as a catalyst or contaminant.

Common error

Avoid using "a trace of water" when the quantity is more than minimal. Instead, use terms like "small amount", "some water", or specify the volume when precision is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trace of water" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI suggests it describes a minimal quantity, as seen in scientific and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a trace of water" is a noun phrase used to describe a very small amount of water. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English, particularly in scientific and descriptive contexts. It is considered relatively rare, with usage concentrated in scientific and news media sources. When using this phrase, be mindful of overstating the quantity; if more than a minimal amount is present, alternative phrasing is recommended. Consider using alternatives like "a small amount of water" or "a hint of water" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small amount of water

Replaces "trace" with a more direct quantity descriptor.

a hint of water

Substitutes "trace" with a word implying a subtle presence.

a drop of water

Specifies a very small, discrete quantity of water.

a speck of water

Indicates an extremely tiny amount of water.

a vestige of water

Replaces "trace" with a more formal word implying something that remains.

a remnant of water

Suggests water that is left behind after something else.

a suspicion of water

Indicates doubt and uncertainty related to the existence of water.

a mere drop of water

Highlights the small quantity of water that exists.

a dash of water

Uses a culinary term to describe a minimal amount.

a film of water

Implies a very thin layer of water covering a surface.

FAQs

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

You can use "a trace of water" to describe a very small amount of water present in something. For example, "The experiment failed because there was "a trace of water" in the solvent".

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

You can use alternatives like "a small amount of water", "a hint of water", or "a drop of water depending on the context".

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

Yes, both are correct. "Traces of water" refers to multiple instances or occurrences of small amounts of water, while "a trace of water" refers to a single instance.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "a trace of water"?

The phrase "a trace of water" is commonly used in scientific contexts, such as chemistry or environmental science, and in descriptive writing to denote a minimal amount of water present in a substance or environment.