are traced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are traced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of following or outlining a path, origin, or source of something, often in a metaphorical or literal sense. Example: "The origins of the tradition are traced back to ancient rituals practiced by early civilizations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Patterns of coincidence and correspondence are traced.

The Guardian - Film

They are traced from their planting on Apr.

The New Yorker

The earliest roots of Kabbala are traced to Merkava mysticism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ten or more guns used in crimes are traced to these dealers each year.

The New York Times

IN America, more than 200,000 guns are traced by law enforcement each year.

The New York Times

Most cases of narcolepsy are traced to deficiencies in the production of hypocretin.

The New Yorker

The female migrations are traced by analyzing a genetic element in every cell called mitochondrial DNA.

The New York Times

The soap operatic relationships at the core of New Labour are traced with reasonable accuracy.

The Guardian - Books

Journeys like this one are traced by countless artifacts from Akhmims all over the world.

The New York Times

Some, like this one, are symbolic; others are traced by famous hands.

The New York Times - Arts

After a snowstorm, a number of patterns are traced across the gradually clearing surfaces.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are traced", ensure that the subject performing the tracing and the object being traced are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The origins of the custom are traced back to the 18th century" is clearer than "The origins are traced."

Common error

While "are traced" is a valid passive construction, overuse can lead to wordy or unclear writing. Opt for the active voice when appropriate to make your writing more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "The steps are traced by the detective", consider "The detective traced the steps".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are traced" functions primarily as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of being traced. It's used to denote the act of following a path, origin, or sequence, often to discover or understand something, as Ludwig examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are traced" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed passive verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to describe the act of following a path or origin, often in a context of discovery or investigation. While versatile, it leans toward a neutral to formal register, finding common usage in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources. When using "are traced", it's beneficial to ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is doing the tracing and what is being traced. Alternatives like "are followed" or "are investigated" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be tracked

Focuses on the ability to follow the path or progress of something, often implying a monitoring aspect.

are followed

Highlights the act of proceeding along a designated route or path.

are investigated

Emphasizes a more in-depth examination to uncover the details or origins.

are attributed

Highlights the source or cause to which something is assigned or credited.

are linked

Focuses on establishing a connection or relationship between elements.

are derived

Stresses the origin or source from which something originates.

are mapped

Emphasizes the visual representation and charting of connections or origins.

are detected

Highlights the discovery or identification of something, often through scientific means.

are unearthed

Suggests the uncovering or revealing of something previously hidden or unknown.

are uncovered

Stresses the revelation or discovery of something previously concealed or unknown.

FAQs

How can I use "are traced" in a sentence?

You can use "are traced" to indicate the process of discovering the origins or path of something. For example, "The roots of this tradition "are traced" back centuries."

What can I say instead of "are traced"?

You can use alternatives like "are followed", "are investigated", or "are attributed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are traced back to" or "is traced back to"?

The correct form depends on whether the subject is plural or singular. Use "are traced back to" for plural subjects and "is traced back to" for singular subjects.

What's the difference between "are traced" and "are tracked"?

"Are traced" typically refers to following the development or origins of something, while "are tracked" implies continuous monitoring of something's current position or progress.