a trail of references

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trail of references" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of citations or sources that lead back to a particular idea or piece of information. Example: "In her research paper, she left a trail of references that supported her argument about climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But Mr. Sahm never forgot his hometown: in his songs with the quintet, he left a trail of references to San Antonio, enough to convince you that it was a magical place, possibly overlooked among the important American towns of early rock 'n' roll.

The New York Times

The man accused of the Christchurch shootings left a trail of references to online culture and extremist alt-right ideology.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A trail of clues, including a cryptic reference in Scott's writings to phonautogram deposits made at "the Academy," led the researchers to another Paris institution, the French Academy of Sciences, where several more of Scott's recordings were stored.

The New York Times - Arts

For the 3714 protein trees with an edit distance of 1 relative to the supertree, the result is trivial: a single edit operation on a reference tree induces a trail of destruction containing exactly two endpoints, with the donor and recipient lineages at opposite ends of the chain.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

A physical thing, a trail of it.

The New Yorker

But there's a trail of smoke.

The Guardian - Opinion

How did the campaign trail become a trail of tears?

The New Yorker

A trail of tears, more like.

Forbes

We witnessed a trail of destruction.

BBC

The suspect: A trail of petty crime.

BBC

A Trail of Tears joke.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a trail of references", ensure that each reference is properly cited and relevant to the topic being discussed to maintain credibility and avoid plagiarism.

Common error

Avoid using excessive references to compensate for a lack of original thought. "A trail of references" should support, not replace, your own analysis and insights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trail of references" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as an object or complement in a sentence, describing a series of sources or citations connected to a particular topic or argument. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trail of references" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a series of citations or sources, often implying thorough research. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable. Although relatively rare in frequency, it finds its place in News & Media and Science contexts, reflecting its role in providing credibility and support to arguments. When writing, remember that the references are supposed to support your analysis and insights. Alternatives like "a string of citations" or "a series of sources" can offer slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a string of citations

Replaces "references" with "citations", emphasizing the formal act of citing sources.

a series of sources

Focuses on the sources themselves rather than the act of referencing.

a chain of allusions

Highlights indirect references or hints.

a sequence of attributions

Emphasizes the act of giving credit to the original sources.

a path of indications

Suggests that the references serve as guiding signs or evidence.

a line of quotations

Specifically refers to direct quotes used as references.

a parade of mentions

Conveys a sense of numerous, possibly superficial, references.

a catalog of footnotes

Highlights the use of footnotes as a form of referencing.

a wealth of allusions

Stresses the large number of allusions contained in the text.

an array of sources

Highlights the variety of sources that are being referenced.

FAQs

How can I use "a trail of references" in a sentence?

You can use "a trail of references" to describe a series of sources that support an argument or provide context. For example, "The historian left "a trail of references" to primary documents, bolstering her claims about the economic conditions of the era."

What are some alternatives to "a trail of references"?

Some alternatives to "a trail of references" include "a string of citations", "a series of sources", or "a chain of allusions", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to have "a trail of references" or fewer, more impactful citations?

The ideal approach depends on the context. While "a trail of references" can demonstrate thorough research, it's often more effective to select a smaller number of highly relevant and authoritative sources that directly support your argument.

What does "a trail of references" imply about the author's research?

Using "a trail of references" often implies that the author has conducted extensive research and is building upon existing knowledge in the field, showing a strong foundation for their own contributions.