difference is traced to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difference is traced to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the origin or cause of a difference between two or more things. Example: "The difference is traced to the varying methodologies employed by the researchers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

These structural differences can be traced to differences in the underlying hydrophobic networks.

Plosone

The difference can be traced to Sarbanes-Oxley corporate accounting rules, Glass, Lewis says.

The New York Times

The impression that there must be such a difference can be traced to the fact that the particular sort of relation in question notwithstanding that it is perfectly and exclusively spatial is one that no combination of three-dimensional rotations and translations can ever alter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The reason for the difference can be traced to the calculation method of the inner product and correlation coefficient.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Jamie and his collaborators investigated the reasons for these variations and discovered that much of the difference could be traced to a small number of genes.

BBC

According to many, while Moore's Open Question argument does show that moral thinking is distinctive and should not be treated as part and parcel of thinking about non-moral matters, Moore was wrong in holding that the important difference should be traced to the nature of the properties we are taking things to have.

SEP

10% more PATs mapped to 3′-UTRs in Arabidopsis than in M. truncatula; however, this difference could be traced to a larger number of PACs in M. truncatula that mapped to ambiguous regions and to intergenic regions.

BMC Genomics

This large difference cannot be traced to oligonucleotide self-structure as both d CCG 8 and d CCG 12 form weak hairpin structures (as determined by optical melting experiments; Δ G°37 ≈ −1.5 kcal/mol), but rather to the inherent stability of r CGG 12 (Δ G°37 = −5.6 kcal/mol) (Supplementary Figure S-3 and Supplementary Tables S1 S3).

ACS Chemical Biology

(Of course, the argument works by showing that, granted the different states of rotation, there are states of rotation that cannot merely be relative rotations of any kind; for the differences cannot be traced to any relational differences. That is, granted the assumptions of the argument, rotation is not true relative motion of any kind).

SEP

These differences can be traced to feeding the salmon ground-up smaller fish that have themselves been contaminated with toxic chemicals from polluted ocean waters.

The New York Times

Some of these differences can be traced to age of the building, but another key component is behavior.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difference is traced to" to clearly establish a causal link between a difference and its underlying reason. This phrase is particularly effective in analytical writing where identifying origins and causes is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "difference is traced to" in casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler, more direct alternatives like "the difference is because of" or "the difference comes from" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difference is traced to" functions as a causal connector, establishing a direct relationship between an observed difference and its underlying cause or origin. While Ludwig indicates the phrase is correct, examples are needed to further illustrate its usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difference is traced to" functions as a connector used to signify a cause-and-effect relationship, explaining the reasons behind an observed difference. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, however the lack of examples indicates usage is missing. It's most appropriate in formal and scientific writing, where precision and clarity are paramount. When writing for general audiences, simpler alternatives might be preferable to maintain accessibility. While accurate and usable, the phrase may benefit from substitution in informal scenarios to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difference stems from

Implies the difference originates or arises from a specific source.

difference originates in

Focuses on the origin of the difference, highlighting the starting point.

difference arises from

Suggests the difference emerges or results from something.

difference is attributable to

Indicates the difference can be assigned or credited to a particular cause.

difference is due to

A common and direct way of stating the cause of the difference.

difference is a result of

Emphasizes the difference as a consequence of something.

difference is a consequence of

Similar to 'result of' but slightly more formal.

difference is explained by

Highlights that the difference can be understood or clarified by considering something.

difference is accounted for by

Suggests something provides a reason or explanation for the difference.

difference is linked to

Indicates an association or connection between the difference and something else.

FAQs

What does "difference is traced to" mean?

The phrase "difference is traced to" means that a particular difference or variation can be attributed to a specific origin, cause, or source. It implies that by examining the source, one can understand why the difference exists.

What can I say instead of "difference is traced to"?

You can use alternatives like "difference is due to", "difference stems from", or "difference arises from" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the difference can be traced back to"?

Yes, "the difference can be traced back to" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to "difference is traced to". It emphasizes the process of following the difference to its origin.

How to use "difference is traced to" in a sentence?

You can use "difference is traced to" to explain the origin of a variation. For example: "The difference in test scores is traced to the varying levels of preparation among the students."