as it traces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it traces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a process or action that follows a particular path or pattern, often in a metaphorical or abstract sense. Example: "The artist captures the essence of the landscape as it traces the contours of the hills and valleys."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

They also force the eye to explore the entire view, switching from side to side as it traces its way along the path between the blocks of perennials, past the urn and on to the bench and finally the tree.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the biography of 80 Wooster, a seven-story warehouse built in 1884, is otherwise engaging as it traces its infiltration by artists, their campaign for zoning and building-code amendments to make living there legal and the evolution of the neighborhood to a tourist destination of art galleries and boutiques.

The New York Times

That's the point at which the moon is nearest to Earth as it traces its elliptical path around our planet.

Huffington Post

This book is admirable for its candor, as it traces in rueful detail how even the most savvy people can be gulled by the promise of getting rich quick.

The New York Times - Books

Why else would 'Goon' use music from Puccini's 'Turandot' to underscore critical dramatic moments?" 2 30 P.M. (HBO) X-MEN: FIRST CLASS (2011) This fifth installment in the franchise reaches back to the 1960s, taking some of its cues from James Bond, Austin Powers and the cold war, as it traces the origins of these comic book superheroes.

The New York Times - Arts

That gives the novel, for all its length and sense of scope, an unexpected intimacy, as it traces the lives of just a couple of characters, with history as something of a backdrop, a stage set against which the central action plays.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

"Palermo or Wolfsburg," his breakthrough film, was a 175-minute epic that evolved through three distinct styles -- Italian neo-realism, Hollywood melodrama and theatrical absurdism -- as it traced the itinerary of its unhappy protagonist from south to north, poverty to prosperity and freedom to imprisonment.

The New York Times

In 1984, Mr. Hall was part of the first Australian expedition to ascend Everest as it traced a new path for climbers not carrying oxygen.

The New York Times

Yet the least seen of Powell's island films was the one that put him on the map as a filmmaker even as it traced an island's demise.

The New York Times

The 79 aired episodes of the series presented an optimistic view of life in the future as it traced the crew's mission "to explore strange new worlds; to seek out new life and new civilizations; to boldly go where no man has gone before".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Though it was founded as early as 1903, it traces its roots back to much older synagogues.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it traces" when you want to describe a process or narrative that follows a clear, often winding, path. For example, "The documentary is compelling as it traces the artist's journey from obscurity to fame."

Common error

Avoid using "as it traces" repeatedly in academic or formal contexts. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms such as "as it follows", "as it outlines", or rephrasing entirely for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it traces" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes the manner in which an action is performed or how a narrative unfolds. Ludwig provides examples that illustrate this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Books

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as it traces" is a versatile phrase used to describe the progression or development of a subject along a path. According to Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial phrase, offering additional detail about how an action unfolds. It's generally considered grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and encyclopedic writing. While widely accepted, it's wise to vary sentence structure in formal writing to avoid repetition. Consider alternatives like "as it follows" or "as it outlines" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while it follows

This alternative replaces "traces" with "follows", emphasizing the sequential aspect of the action.

as it outlines

This phrase replaces "traces" with "outlines", focusing on defining a shape or boundary.

as it charts

The term "charts" implies a detailed mapping or tracking of something, suggesting a more precise or methodical approach compared to "traces".

as it delineates

This option is a more formal way of saying "as it outlines", suggesting a clear and precise demarcation.

as it maps

Similar to "charts", "maps" suggests a visual representation or a detailed understanding of the path being followed.

while it tracks

This alternative replaces "traces" with "tracks", highlighting the monitoring or observation aspect of the action.

as it chronicles

This option introduces a narrative aspect, suggesting a record of events in chronological order.

in its depiction of

This phrase shifts the focus to representation, indicating that something is being portrayed or described.

as it investigates

This alternative brings in the element of inquiry or exploration, implying a deeper examination of the subject.

as it recounts

This phrase indicates a retelling of a story or event, focusing on the act of narration.

FAQs

How can I use "as it traces" in a sentence?

You can use "as it traces" to describe how something progresses or develops along a particular path. For example, "The book is fascinating "as it traces" the history of jazz music".

What phrases are similar to "as it traces"?

Similar phrases include "as it follows", "as it outlines", and "as it charts". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as it traces" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "as it traces" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing. However, avoid overuse; consider alternatives like "as it delineates" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "as it traces" and "as it follows"?

While similar, "as it traces" implies a more detailed or winding path, whereas "as it follows" suggests a more direct or straightforward progression. The choice depends on the context and the image you want to create.