carry traces of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "carry traces of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something retains evidence or remnants of a particular quality, characteristic, or influence. Example: "The ancient ruins carry traces of a once-thriving civilization, evident in the intricate carvings and structures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Some but not all pesticide residues can be removed by washing or peeling produce, but tests by the Centers for Disease Control show that most Americans carry traces of pesticides in their blood.

The New York Times

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

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

We know that mines carry traces of their explosives because dogs trained to scent high explosives can detect buried mines under field conditions in a short time, with a 95percentt success rate and a false alarm rate of around two to one.

MIT Technology Review

She's also excited by the work of the late Rashid Choudhury, a Bangladeshi modern artist whose works "carry traces of many religions and speak to a time before religious divides started fracturing the region". A recurrent theme of the art she curates is Bangladesh's struggle to stay secular in the face of rising fundamentalism.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

But Mr. Iverson also carries traces of disappointment.

The New York Times

Of 11,000 pieces of cloth found in the wreckage, several dozen scraps had carried traces of explosive.

The Guardian

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

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

The New York Times - Magazine

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

When using "carry traces of", ensure the subject is something that can plausibly contain or transmit the indicated element. For instance, memories "carry traces of" emotions, and soil "carry traces of" pollutants.

Common error

Avoid using "carry traces of" when the subject cannot logically hold or transmit the traces. Saying "the idea carries traces of sadness" is acceptable, but "the sadness carries traces of the idea" might be a misattribution unless the sadness is being anthropomorphized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carry traces of" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something contains or transmits detectable, though often small, amounts or evidence of something else. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is correct and provides ample examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

35%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "carry traces of" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something contains or displays evidence of something else. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correctness and common usage across various authoritative sources, primarily in news, science, and academic contexts. It functions as a verb phrase, serving to highlight the presence, influence, or historical connection of a detectable element. While "carry traces of" maintains a neutral to formal register, effective usage requires ensuring that the carrier logically holds or transmits the indicated traces. For alternative phrasing, consider "exhibit signs of", "retain vestiges of", or "show evidence of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show evidence of

This is a more direct and less figurative way of expressing the presence of something.

display remnants of

This is similar to "carry traces of" but focuses on what remains after something has diminished.

exhibit signs of

This alternative is less about a substance and more about visible indications or evidence.

contain residue of

This focuses specifically on physical remnants or leftovers.

bear the hallmarks of

This implies distinctive characteristics or features that identify something.

retain vestiges of

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the survival of something from the past.

manifest indications of

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the revealing of something previously unseen.

reveal imprints of

This suggests a lasting effect or impression left behind.

reflect echoes of

This suggests a more subtle or indirect influence or resemblance.

hold a hint of

This indicates a very subtle or slight presence.

FAQs

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

You can use "carry traces of" to indicate that something shows evidence or remnants of something else. For example, "The ancient artifact "carries traces of" its creators' culture".

What can I say instead of "carry traces of"?

You can use alternatives like "exhibit signs of", "retain vestiges of", or "show evidence of" depending on the context.

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

While "carry traces from" might be understood in some contexts, "carry traces of" is the more standard and grammatically preferred phrasing.

What's the difference between "carry traces of" and "contain traces of"?

"Carry traces of" implies transmission or conveyance, while "contain traces of" simply indicates presence. For instance, water can "carry traces of" pollutants, while a sample might "contain traces of" a specific element.