contain traces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contain traces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the presence of small amounts of something within a larger substance or context. Example: "The food product may contain traces of nuts, so please be cautious if you have allergies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The walls contain traces of coloured murals.

The Economist

They also contain traces of chlorine.

The New York Times - Science

The blocks contain traces of volcanic ash.

The New York Times - Arts

Warning: this screenplay may contain traces of topical satire.

The Guardian - Film

The opera begins with prerecorded sounds that contain traces of the Lorca world.

The New Yorker

There are also certain so-called natural supplements that can contain traces of banned substances.

The New York Times

Her voice seemed to contain traces of the past hundred years of American music.

The New Yorker

Some spices may contain traces of allergens so read the label carefully.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That 76% of oysters found in British oyster-growing beds contain traces of norovirus.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yes, even Whole Lotta Rosie may contain traces of Phil's DNA.

The Guardian - Music

Some officials have suggested the European horse meat could contain traces of carcinogenic drugs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about scientific findings, use "contain traces" to accurately describe the presence of minimal amounts of a substance without implying significant quantity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of something that "contain traces" of a substance. Instead, focus on verifiable levels and measurable impacts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contain traces" functions as a verb phrase where "contain" acts as a transitive verb indicating possession or inclusion, and "traces" serves as the direct object, referring to minimal or residual amounts of a substance. Examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contain traces" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the presence of small amounts of a substance within something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from scientific reports to news articles. Its frequent occurrence in News & Media and Science highlights its utility in communicating factual information about composition and potential contaminants. When using this phrase, be mindful of overstating the significance of the traces and consider alternatives like "include remnants" or "show traces of" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

include traces

Emphasizes the presence of traces as part of a whole, shifting focus slightly from the container to the inclusion.

show traces of

Highlights the visibility or detectability of the traces, focusing on evidence or indication.

exhibit traces of

A more formal way of saying "show traces of", emphasizing a clear and observable presence.

reveal traces of

Focuses on the act of uncovering or making the traces known, suggesting a discovery process.

bear traces of

Indicates that something carries or possesses traces, often implying a history or past interaction.

manifest traces of

Suggests that traces are actively displayed or made apparent, often in a subtle or indirect way.

harbor traces of

Implies a holding or concealing of traces within something, often suggesting a potential for discovery.

possess traces of

Highlights the ownership or inherent quality of having traces, emphasizing a characteristic attribute.

display traces of

Stresses the visual or observable presence of traces, similar to "show traces of" but potentially more pronounced.

retain traces of

Indicates that something has kept or maintained traces over time, suggesting preservation or persistence.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is said to "contain traces"?

When something is described as "contain traces", it means that very small, often undetectable without specialized equipment, amounts of a substance are present. This doesn't necessarily imply a significant amount or impact.

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

You can use "contain traces" to indicate the presence of a minimal amount of a substance. For example: "The sample was found to contain traces of lead."

What are some alternatives to saying "contain traces"?

Alternatives to "contain traces" include phrases like "include remnants", "show traces of", or "exhibit traces of", depending on the specific context.

Is it always a problem if something "contain traces" of a substance?

Not necessarily. Whether it's a problem depends on the substance and the context. For example, food products may "contain traces" of allergens, which is important for allergic individuals, while the presence of "traces" of certain minerals in water might be harmless or even beneficial.