can be traced back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be traced back" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that something can be connected to its origins or has roots in the past. For example, "The history of the Internet can be traced back to the 1940s."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The disease can be traced back for many generations.

The New York Times

Such borrowing can be traced back to early times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The Guardian - Books

The row can be traced back to June 1985.

The Guardian

His fascination with mathematics can be traced back to Pythagoras.

The Guardian - Books

So much can be traced back to Arthur.

The Guardian - Music

The reasons can be traced back to their homeland.

The New York Times

OSPE can be traced back more than 40 years.

International Journal of Nursing Sciences

This observation can be traced back to the matching problem.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

The school's roots can be traced back to 1957.

Forbes

This correlation can be traced back to sequences of events with exponentially decreasing waiting times.

Acta Materialia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be traced back" to provide historical context or to explain the development of a concept or idea. This can help readers understand the evolution of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "can be traced back" without providing specific details or evidence to support the connection to the origin. Vague statements weaken your argument and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be traced back" functions as a verb phrase indicating the possibility of identifying the origin or source of something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be traced back" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the origin or historical roots of a concept, idea, or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for diverse contexts. It's most prevalent in scientific and news-related writing, making it a valuable tool for providing background and context. When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific details to support your claims. Consider alternatives like "originates from" or "dates back to" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dates back to

This alternative specifies a time in the past when something began.

can be linked to

This alternative emphasizes a connection or relationship.

has its roots in

This alternative suggests a foundational or fundamental beginning.

is historically linked to

This alternative emphasizes the historical connection.

can be attributed to

This alternative focuses on assigning cause or origin.

derives from

This alternative suggests a source from which something is obtained.

finds its origins in

This alternative highlights where something was initially found or created.

stems from

This alternative indicates a source or cause that leads to something else.

originates from

This alternative highlights the point of origin.

is a product of

This alternative focuses on the result or outcome of something else.

FAQs

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

Use "can be traced back" to indicate the origin or historical roots of something. For example, "The origins of democracy "can be traced back" to ancient Greece."

What are some alternatives to "can be traced back"?

You can use alternatives like "can be attributed to", "originates from", or "dates back to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "can be traced backward" instead of "can be traced back"?

While "can be traced backward" is grammatically understandable, ""can be traced back"" is the more common and idiomatic expression.

What's the difference between "can be traced back" and "is linked to"?

"Can be traced back" specifically implies uncovering the origin or source, while "is linked to" suggests a connection or relationship without necessarily indicating the origin.