be traced to

USAGE SUMMARY

'be traced to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the source or origin of something. For example, "The decline in sales can be traced to changing consumer tastes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This evil can be traced to Watergate.

The Economist

It can be traced to 1980s New York.

The Economist

Much of the Bears' problems can be traced to quarterback.

The New York Times - Sports

My love of reading can be traced to here.

The Guardian - Books

Violence can be traced to a variety of conditions.

The New York Times

This can be traced to Mr. Lichtenstein's own experience.

The New York Times - Arts

The discrepancy can be traced to how revenues are reported.

The New York Times

Donald Wryson's oddness could be traced to his childhood.

The New Yorker

Murdoch's detachment can be traced to his childhood, in Australia.

The New Yorker

Most trends on television can be traced to the marketplace.

The New York Times - Arts

The Liberals' defeat can be traced to that defiance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be traced to" to clearly establish a cause-and-effect relationship or to identify the origin of a phenomenon. Ensure the connection is logical and supported by evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "be traced to" when a simple association or correlation is sufficient. Reserve it for situations where you want to emphasize a direct causal link, not just a connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be traced to" functions as a causal verb phrase, indicating the origin or source of something. As indicated by Ludwig, it is used to establish a cause-and-effect relationship. For example, "The Liberals' defeat can be traced to that defiance."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

24%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be traced to" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the origin or cause of something. Ludwig confirms its wide applicability in written English, across a spectrum of contexts. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, but also has significant usage in academic and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure that a clear and logical connection exists between the subject and its purported origin. While alternatives like "originate from" or "result from" may sometimes be suitable, "be traced to" specifically emphasizes a direct link or causal relationship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

result from

Stresses the outcome or consequence of a specific cause or action.

stem from

Emphasizes the causal relationship and origin of something, often a problem or issue.

originate from

Focuses on the starting point or source of something.

arise from

Indicates the emergence or development of something from a particular cause or situation.

derive from

Highlights the extraction or obtaining of something from a source.

have its roots in

Emphasizes the historical origins or foundation of something.

be attributed to

Suggests that something is credited or assigned to a particular cause or person.

find its origin in

Focuses on discovering the beginning or source of something.

be linked to

Implies a relationship or association, often causal, between two or more things.

be connected to

Highlights a link or association between two or more things.

FAQs

How can I use "be traced to" in a sentence?

Use "be traced to" to indicate the origin or cause of something. For example, "The company's success can "be traced to" its innovative marketing strategies".

What are some alternatives to "be traced to"?

You can use alternatives such as "originate from", "stem from", or "result from" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "be traced to" in formal writing?

Yes, "be traced to" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly and directly indicates a causal relationship or origin. The Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

What's the difference between "be traced to" and "be attributed to"?

"Be traced to" focuses on the factual origin or cause, while "be attributed to" suggests that something is credited or assigned to a cause, which might be based on belief or assumption rather than definitive proof.