bears traces of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bears traces of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something shows evidence or signs of a particular influence, characteristic, or origin. Example: "The painting bears traces of the artist's earlier style, revealing a blend of techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

It still bears traces of blue paint.

The New York Times - Arts

Even though she represents Massachusetts, she bears traces of her upbringing in the great American expanses.

The New Yorker

The desert bears traces of daily apocalypse, in discarded "rucksacks crammed with time.

The Guardian - Books

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

The Guardian - Books

To this day, she bears traces of the Eurocentric revolution Jackie Kennedy brought to Washington society.

The New York Times - Magazine

The fictional war in "Moonlight Hotel" bears traces of all these conflicts.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

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

Nature

They bear traces of red ochre, a pigment.

The Economist

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

The New York Times - Arts

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

The Washington Post

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

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical or cultural contexts, "bears traces of" can add nuance by suggesting that the past is not entirely erased.

Common error

Avoid using "bears traces of" when stronger, more direct evidence exists. If the evidence is substantial, opt for phrases like "clearly demonstrates" or "strongly indicates."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bears traces of" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a predicate, indicating that a subject exhibits evidence or remnants of something. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase denotes a lingering or subtle presence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bears traces of" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate the lingering presence or influence of something, as confirmed by Ludwig. It finds frequent application in news, academic writing, and encyclopedic contexts. While it may lean towards formal registers, its subtle nuance makes it a valuable tool for suggesting connections without overstating evidence. When employing this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its descriptive nature and avoid overstating the significance of the evidence presented. As Ludwig confirms, this is generally considered a correct and usable English expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shows vestiges of

Focuses on remaining signs, often implying a gradual disappearance.

exhibits remnants of

Highlights surviving parts or indications of something from the past.

reveals echoes of

Emphasizes subtle reminders or continuing effects of something.

displays hints of

Indicates slight or indirect signs of something's presence or influence.

retains elements of

Suggests that certain components or aspects are still present.

preserves signs of

Highlights the maintenance of evidence over time.

manifests influences of

Indicates that the effects of something are actively visible.

includes indications of

Focuses on the presence of particular signals or markers.

carries the imprint of

Emphasizes a lasting effect or impression left by something.

reflects the influence of

Highlights how something is shaped or affected by another entity.

FAQs

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

Use "bears traces of" to suggest that something shows subtle signs or influences of something else. For example, "The old building "bears traces of" its Victorian past."

What's a synonym for "bears traces of"?

Alternatives include "shows vestiges of", "exhibits remnants of", or "reveals echoes of". Each emphasizes different aspects of remaining evidence.

Which is correct, "bears traces of" or "bears trace of"?

"Bears traces of" is the correct form. "Traces" is plural because it refers to multiple indicators or small amounts of something.

Is "bears traces of" formal or informal?

"Bears traces of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards formal writing due to its descriptive nature. More informal options exist, such as "shows signs of".