containing a trace of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "containing a trace of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that includes a small amount or hint of a particular substance or quality. Example: "The recipe calls for a sauce containing a trace of garlic for added flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

When the Salmonella tester strains are grown on a minimal media agar plate containing a trace of histidine, only those bacteria that revert to histidine independence (his+) are able to form colonies.

Mutation Research-Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis

The IPG strips were placed on top of 12.5% polyacrylamide gels and sealed with a solution of 1% (w/v) agarose containing a trace of bromophenol blue.

BMC Genomics

There was a collection of 42 �� 15 mm near the splenic hilum, containing a trace of contrast and a small two-fluid level.

BMC Infectious Diseases

IPG strips were placed on the top of polyacrylamide gels (1 × 200 × 260 mm) and sealed with a solution of 1% (w/v) agarose containing a trace of bromophenol blue.

Clinical Proteomics

The immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips were placed on top of 12.5% polyacrylamide gels and sealed with a solution of 1% (w/v) agarose containing a trace of bromophenol blue.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

After equilibration, the strips were placed on top of 12.5% polyacrylamide lab-cast gels (pH 4 7) or 15% polyacrylamide lab-cast gels (pH 6 11) and sealed with a 1% agarose solution containing a trace of bromophenol blue.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Current federal law contains a trace of this mechanism.

The Washington Post

Phosphor bronze, alloy of copper and tin that contains a trace of phosphorus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Mucker fog", a phrase from Patrick Kavanagh, contains a trace of "mother fucker", in case you hadn't noticed.

The Guardian - Books

She perceptively notes, however, that his writings "contain a trace of bitterness toward the very people that he was in Palestine to fight for".

The New Yorker

In a very literal sense, all films have documentary aspects: once the camera is turned on, whatever is captured, no matter how staged, contains a trace of reality, an element of chance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the composition of a substance or mixture, use "containing a trace of" to accurately convey the presence of a very small quantity of a particular element or compound.

Common error

Avoid using "containing a trace of" when the substance is present in a significant amount; instead, opt for phrases like "containing a small amount of" or "containing a notable quantity of" to accurately reflect the composition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "containing a trace of" primarily functions as a descriptive element within a sentence. According to Ludwig, this indicates that something includes a minimal amount of a specified substance or quality. The phrase modifies a noun, adding information about its composition or characteristics. For example, "agarose containing a trace of bromophenol blue."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "containing a trace of" is a useful way to describe something that has a very small amount of a particular substance or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts. It is most frequently encountered in scientific and news reporting, where precision is valued. While common alternatives exist, this phrase offers a specific way to convey minimal presence. Remember to avoid overstating the amount and consider the context for the most accurate use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

includes a hint of

Replaces "trace" with "hint", suggesting a slightly more perceptible presence but retaining the overall meaning of a small quantity.

possesses a small amount of

Substitutes "containing a trace" with a more descriptive phrase indicating a minimal quantity.

exhibits a minimal presence of

A more formal alternative, replacing "trace" with "minimal presence" to denote a very small quantity.

features a tinge of

Uses "tinge" to imply a slight coloring or influence, rather than a specific quantifiable amount.

has a whisper of

Employs "whisper" to convey an almost undetectable presence or characteristic.

carries a suggestion of

Indicates a subtle indication or implication, rather than a concrete quantity.

shows a touch of

Uses "touch" to describe a slight or delicate presence, often in a more sensory or aesthetic context.

reveals a shadow of

Suggests a faint or vestigial presence, implying something that is almost gone or hidden.

displays a vestige of

A more formal term suggesting a surviving trace of something that no longer exists in its original form.

includes a modicum of

Suggests a very small or limited amount, often used in formal or technical contexts.

FAQs

What does "containing a trace of" mean?

The phrase "containing a trace of" indicates that a substance or item includes a very small, often barely detectable, amount of something else. It implies the presence is minimal and potentially insignificant.

What are some alternatives to "containing a trace of"?

Alternatives include "includes a hint of", "possesses a small amount of", or "exhibits a minimal presence of", depending on the desired level of formality and the context.

How can I use "containing a trace of" in a sentence?

You might say, "The water sample was found to be containing a trace of lead" or "The dish had a unique flavor, containing a trace of cumin."

Is it appropriate to use "containing a trace of" when referring to potentially harmful substances?

Yes, it's often used to describe the presence of potentially harmful substances. For instance, "The product was recalled after tests revealed it was containing a trace of asbestos."