can be traced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be traced" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has a history or origin that can be identified or tracked. For example: "The origins of this recipe can be traced back hundreds of years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

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

The word's usage can be traced back to 2007.

The Guardian - Books

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

The New York Times - Sports

The water's retreat can be traced from Muynak.

The New York Times

Indeed, that tendency can be traced right back through Biebermania.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be traced" to indicate that something's origin, development, or path can be followed and understood. For example, "The spread of the disease can be traced through travel records."

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice constructions like "can be traced" when an active voice would be more direct and engaging. Instead of "The error can be traced to a software bug", consider "A software bug caused the error".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be traced" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something's origin, history, or development is identifiable or trackable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for written English. The examples show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be traced" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to denote that the origin or path of something is identifiable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral register. To enhance writing, avoid overusing passive constructions and consider more direct active alternatives when appropriate. Related phrases like ""is attributable to"" or ""originates from"" can offer nuanced replacements depending on the intended meaning. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's broad applicability across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is attributable to

This alternative focuses on assigning a cause or origin.

can be attributed to

Indicates a cause or reason to which something can be assigned.

is linked to

Highlights a connection or relationship to something else.

is connected to

Highlights an association or link.

is identified as stemming from

Emphasizes the origin and development from a specific source.

originates from

This option directly points to the source or beginning.

derives from

Indicates that something is obtained or developed from a source.

is rooted in

Suggests a deep and fundamental origin.

is detectable in

Focuses on the ability to find or notice something.

is discernible in

Implies that something can be recognized or distinguished.

FAQs

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

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

What can I say instead of "can be traced"?

Alternatives include "is linked to", "originates from", or "is attributable to", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when something "can be traced back"?

When something "can be traced back", it means its origins or history "can be followed" to a specific point in the past. For example, "The tradition "originates from" the 18th century".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "can be traced"?

While "can be traced" is a passive construction, it's often appropriate when the focus is on the object being traced rather than the agent doing the tracing. However, consider using an active voice when the agent is important to emphasize.