a trace of wind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trace of wind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight or faint movement of air, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "As she stood on the cliff, she felt a trace of wind brush against her face, carrying the scent of the ocean."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Not a trace of wind in the humid pyrexia of mid-afternoon.

The Guardian

"There wasn't a trace of wind at all that day and I didn't manage to cool down as I'd expect".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The air was silent, except for a warm wind that carried a trace of Li's voice, booming in the stadium behind us.

The New Yorker

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

In the city of Praia, Cape Verde, only a trace of rain, less than 0.1 inches fell on September 7 and sustained winds reached 25 mph (35 km/h).

Wikipedia

In contrast to the unusually strong winds, Bess produced virtually no rainfall as it passed by, with only a trace of precipitation measured between October 11 and 14 in Hong Kong.

Wikipedia

Not a trace of mud.

Independent

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

Use "a trace of wind" to evoke a sense of subtle environmental awareness or delicate atmospheric conditions in descriptive writing. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing nuances of nature or setting a specific mood.

Common error

Avoid using "a trace of wind" in technical reports or scientific documents where precise measurements of wind speed or direction are required. Instead, opt for quantitative terms such as "light breeze" or specific wind velocity values.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trace of wind" functions primarily as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or verb to provide detail about the environmental conditions. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trace of wind" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a minimal presence of air movement. Ludwig confirms its correctness, and example sentences show it is often deployed in descriptive writing across various sources, mainly News & Media. While not overly common, its consistent usage suggests it effectively conveys a sense of subtlety and environmental awareness. When using this phrase, consider its neutral register and avoid overuse in technical contexts, where quantitative terms might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of breeze

Focuses on the gentle and mild aspect of the wind, implying a slight and pleasant air movement.

a wisp of air

Emphasizes the lightness and ethereal quality of the wind, suggesting a barely perceptible movement.

a breath of wind

Evokes a sense of gentleness and subtlety, comparing the wind to a soft, almost imperceptible exhale.

a suggestion of wind

Highlights the indirect or subtle nature of the wind's presence, implying it's barely noticeable.

a faint breeze

Stresses the weakness and mildness of the wind, indicating a gentle and almost unnoticeable air current.

a mere puff of wind

Underscores the insignificance and triviality of the wind, implying it's extremely light and brief.

a whisper of air

Conveys the soft and quiet nature of the wind, suggesting a gentle and barely audible presence.

a touch of wind

Emphasizes the physical sensation of the wind, highlighting its light and gentle contact with a surface.

the slightest draft

Focuses on a minimal, often indoor air movement, which could be related to a window.

an almost imperceptible airflow

Highlights minimal nature and almost impossible detection of the wind

FAQs

What does "a trace of wind" mean?

The phrase "a trace of wind" refers to a very slight or barely perceptible movement of air. It suggests a minimal presence of wind, often used in descriptive or poetic contexts to evoke a sense of gentleness or subtlety.

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

You can use alternatives like "a hint of breeze", "a wisp of air", or "a breath of wind" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a trace of wind" formal or informal?

The phrase "a trace of wind" is generally considered neutral in formality. It can be used in both descriptive writing and casual conversation, although it is more commonly found in literary or descriptive contexts.

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

You can use "a trace of wind" to describe a subtle atmospheric condition, such as: "As she stood on the hilltop, she felt "a trace of wind" against her cheek, carrying the scent of wildflowers."