become untraceable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become untraceable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something or someone is no longer able to be tracked or located. Example: "In the digital age, many individuals seek ways to become untraceable online to protect their privacy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And once the funds have passed on through, they become untraceable.

The New York Times - Magazine

The girls' parents warn that if the government does not act soon, their daughters could become untraceable.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

After all, once goods became untraceable, they were all too easy to fence.

The New Yorker

After entering the bloodstream, fentanyls break down swiftly and become virtually untraceable.

Vice

Once it deletes an I.P. address, Microsoft said the link between data and a specific computer became effectively untraceable.

The New York Times - Tech

As valuable as this is, waste becomes essentially untraceable once it enters the informal sector; and without knowing material flows, it becomes all the more difficult to suggest solutions.

Yale University

GreenDot's MoneyPak system has become an especially popular method because funds sent through the system are untraceable and the company does not assume responsiblity for fraud or theft of funds.

HuffPost

(One woman, the daughter of an untraceable sperm donor, is a musician: she tells Raeburn that "she hopes to become famous enough through her music that one day her father will spot her face on an album cover, see that she resembles him," and get in touch).

The New Yorker

It provides weapons, training and untraceable cash for operations, and essential technologies like border penetration and money laundering have become an art form in the hands of the drug lords.

Huffington Post

I become momentarily hopeful that I have stumbled across a gatekeeper to the hamster-trading netherworld, but instead of inviting me into the pet house for further discussion and the exchange of untraceable small bills, he asks what I want them for.

The Guardian

But in Egypt post-February 11, they have become anonymous, the masked actors on behalf of what the government, military, media and public now call generically, the "hidden hands". While they may eventually be arrested, tried and sentenced for crimes, they are insulated by layers of misdirection, making their sponsors practically untraceable.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become untraceable", consider the specific context. Is it a deliberate act of concealment, or a result of circumstances? Choose synonyms that reflect the nuance you intend to convey.

Common error

While "become untraceable" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or technical language when describing processes that obscure information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become untraceable" functions as a verbal phrase, typically acting as a predicate in a sentence. It describes a process or state change where something transitions into being impossible to track or locate. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts involving funds, people, and data.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become untraceable" is a grammatically sound verbal phrase used to describe a state where something can no longer be tracked. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely utilized in contexts ranging from digital security to physical disappearance. While versatile, it's important to consider context and opt for synonyms if greater precision is needed, especially in formal settings. Understanding its connotations—often implying either deliberate concealment or systemic failure—adds depth to its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become undetectable

Similar meaning, but focuses on the inability to be sensed or detected.

become unidentifiable

Focuses on the loss of any distinguishing features or markers.

vanish without a trace

Focuses on the sudden disappearance and lack of remaining evidence.

go off the grid

Implies a deliberate effort to remove oneself from established tracking systems.

evaporate from sight

Emphasizes sudden and complete disappearance.

become invisible

Uses a metaphorical term for being unseen or unnoticed, thus untraceable.

dissolve into obscurity

Indicates a gradual fading into an unknown or forgotten state.

lose all accountability

Highlights the lack of responsibility, making actions difficult to attribute and trace.

slip through the cracks

Implies escaping notice due to systemic oversights or failures.

become lost to follow

Suggests the inability to track or understand the sequence of events.

FAQs

How can I use "become untraceable" in a sentence?

You can use "become untraceable" to describe something or someone that can no longer be tracked or located, such as, "Once the funds have passed on through, they "become untraceable"".

What are some alternatives to "become untraceable"?

Some alternatives include "become undetectable", "vanish without a trace", or "go off the grid", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "became untraceable" or "become untraceable"?

The choice between "became untraceable" and "become untraceable" depends on the tense of your sentence. Use "became" for past tense and "become" for present or future tense. For example, "The data will "become untraceable" after deletion" versus "The data "became untraceable" after deletion".

What does it mean for something to "become untraceable"?

When something "become untraceable", it means that it is no longer possible to follow its path or determine its origin or destination. This can apply to physical objects, digital data, or even people.