bear traces of

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "bear traces of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that something is partially present or detectable, although not in a significant or obvious way. For example: "The crumbling walls bore traces of the paint that had once covered them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Ancient rocks bear traces of Earth's tumultuous early years.

Nature

They bear traces of red ochre, a pigment.

The Economist

Some of his policies, however, bear traces of the old ideology.

The Economist

Even the interludes of peace, or of sociability, bear traces of a savage hour.

The New Yorker

The vigorous Mr. Taratula is a committed, winning performer whose poison darts bear traces of sympathy.

The New York Times

Mr. Isogawa emigrated from Japan to Sydney 11 years ago, and his designs bear traces of his homeland.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

It still bears traces of blue paint.

The New York Times - Arts

His brilliant playing bore traces of jazz pianists like Bill Evans and Don Pullen.

The New York Times - Arts

The land bears traces of the gods and the footprints of the heroes.

The Guardian - Books

Their teeth instead bore traces of mushrooms, pine nuts and forest moss.

The Washington Post

The vessels bore traces of collisions, with big holes in their hulls.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bear traces of" to indicate the subtle presence or influence of something from the past or a different source. It's effective when describing historical influences or subtle characteristics.

Common error

Avoid using "bear traces of" when describing obvious or prominent features. This phrase is best suited for subtle, less apparent indications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear traces of" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something exhibits subtle signs or remnants of something else. It is often used to describe influences, past events, or subtle characteristics as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "bear traces of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase in English writing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to denote that something exhibits subtle indications or lingering effects of something else. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, it conveys a nuanced presence or influence without overt assertion. While grammatically correct, the key is to use it when indicating a subtle influence. If the presence or the effects is remarkable or evident, better alternatives are "show evidence of", "exhibit signs of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show evidence of

This alternative directly implies demonstrable proof, whereas "bear traces of" suggests a less obvious indication.

exhibit signs of

This suggests that something is displaying indications of a particular quality or condition, similar to "bear traces of" but slightly more pronounced.

display remnants of

Focuses on the remaining parts of something, suggesting that the traces are leftovers or residues, slightly different than the original query.

reveal hints of

Emphasizes the subtle and indirect nature of the evidence, implying that it requires careful observation to notice, while "bear traces of" is more direct.

indicate vestiges of

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes that the traces are remnants of something that no longer exists in its original form.

suggest elements of

Indicates a more conceptual connection, implying that something contains components or aspects of something else. The focus shifts from physical marks to abstract qualities.

retain impressions of

This is slightly different focusing on the idea that something preserves an effect or influence, implying a lasting mark. The original query rather emphasizes the presence of something.

reflect shadows of

Implies a faint or indirect representation, suggesting that the traces are not directly visible but are instead mirrored or alluded to.

manifest inklings of

Refers to the initial or vague indications of something, implying a nascent or developing presence rather than an established trace.

betray glimmers of

Suggests that something inadvertently reveals subtle or fleeting indications of something else. The nuance implies that it's not necessarily intentional.

FAQs

How can I use "bear traces of" in a sentence?

Use "bear traces of" to indicate that something shows subtle signs or influences of something else. For example, "The ancient ruins "bear traces of" Roman architecture".

What does "bear traces of" mean?

The phrase "bear traces of" means to show slight signs or evidence of something. It suggests a partial or subtle presence.

Which is a better alternative, "show evidence of" or "bear traces of"?

"Show evidence of" is more direct, while "bear traces of" implies subtlety. The best choice depends on whether the signs are obvious or subtle.

Is it more appropriate to use "bear traces of" or "has elements of"?

"Bear traces of" usually refers to tangible remnants or subtle influences, while "has elements of" suggests a composition or inclusion of certain components. The correct choice depends on the context.