carry traces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "carry traces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that retains evidence or remnants of a previous state or condition. Example: "The old photograph still carries traces of the vibrant colors it once had, despite the fading over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Shards of 4,500-year-old 4,500-year-old 4,500-year-olde follow a pottery originating in Orknexcavatedttinh archipelago; the bones of animals slaughtered at Stonehenge carry traces of Scottish Wiltshirettish nationalists should mull that.

The Economist

But trace detection is promising, according to Dr. Susan F. Hallowell, the manager of the explosives and weapons-detection research and development branch at the Atlantic City lab, because nearly any bomb builder would carry traces of explosives afterward.

The New York Times - Travel

Eventually, containers will give way and the steady drip of rainwater will carry traces of the radioactive material deep underground, where they will reach the water table and flow beyond the site.

The New York Times

I want to know all about them, their still eyes, their faces of varying colors that show both African and Indonesian blood, as I want to know everything about this primeval chunk of Africa floating in the Indian Ocean, with its bottle-shaped baobabs and strange tinkling music, the sega, which is said to carry traces of tunes from Irish sailors.

The New Yorker

Though the otters look perky, many carry traces of oil in their livers.

Forbes

Living people in Europe and Asia still carry traces of long-ago unions between Neandertals and modern humans.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Most commercial salts carry trace minerals as relatively cheap insurance against deficiencies that occasionally exist in scattered locations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While hydrous minerals are the major carrier of water in subducted crustal rocks, NAMs carry trace amounts of water into the mantle.

Earth, Planets and Space

"This is a very painful time for us," Minns says, his voice carrying traces of his native Nottingham, England.

The New York Times - Magazine

But Schadenfreude comes unbidden from beyond the bounds of civil life, carrying traces of ancient urges, undercutting our reasoned poise.

The New York Times - Books

Who wrote this language that carried traces of many writers I'd read before but was its own world entirely?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "carry traces" when you want to emphasize that something still shows signs or effects of a past event or substance. For instance, "The soil still carries traces of the chemicals after the spill".

Common error

Avoid using "carry traces" when there is no residual presence or evidence of something. For example, instead of saying "The room carries traces of his visit" when the room has been thoroughly cleaned and shows no sign of his presence, opt for phrases like "shows no sign of his visit".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carry traces" functions as a verb phrase where 'carry' acts as a transitive verb and 'traces' is its direct object. It describes the action of retaining or exhibiting indications of something, whether physical or abstract. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that something retains evidence of a previous state.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

6.67%

Less common in

Reference

6.67%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "carry traces" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that indicates the presence of residual evidence or effects. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and understood. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, scientific writing, and general communication. While alternatives like "show evidence of" or "retain signs of" exist, "carry traces" remains a direct and effective way to convey the idea of something retaining vestiges of the past.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show evidence of

Focuses on the visibility of the evidence, rather than the act of carrying.

retain signs of

Highlights the retention of signs, emphasizing the lasting impact.

exhibit remnants of

Emphasizes the remnants or remains of something.

bear marks of

Suggests that something has been marked or affected by a previous event.

display indications of

Focuses on the indications or hints that something was present.

manifest vestiges of

Highlights subtle or faded remains.

preserve hints of

Implies that some clues or suggestions are kept from a past event.

reflect echoes of

It expresses the sense of an old action.

hold indicators of

Focuses on something that can measure the past actions.

register imprints of

It means to record the past action on some surface.

FAQs

How can I use "carry traces" in a sentence?

Use "carry traces" to indicate that something retains evidence or remnants of a past presence or event. For example, "The artifact "carries traces" of ancient paint".

What are some alternatives to "carry traces"?

Alternatives include "show evidence of", "retain signs of", or "exhibit remnants of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "carrying traces" instead of "carry traces"?

Yes, "carrying traces" is a valid gerund form, often used to describe something in the process of retaining or showing evidence. For example, "The river was "carrying traces" of pollution downstream".

What's the difference between "carry traces" and "bear traces"?

"Carry traces" and "bear traces" are largely interchangeable, both suggesting the presence of residual evidence. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.