disappear without a trace

USAGE SUMMARY

'disappear without a trace' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone or something suddenly vanishes without leaving some evidence behind. For example, "The thief disappeared without a trace, making it hard for the police to find them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Most cookbooks disappear without a trace.

The New York Times - Food

They will disappear without a trace.

The New York Times - Magazine

She then seemed to disappear without a trace.

The New York Times

Bees seem to disappear without a trace," they said.

Independent

WHAT if you were to disappear without a trace?

The New York Times - Style

Alternatively, it's the ideal place to disappear without a trace.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

He disappeared without a trace".

The New York Times

(Charlie later disappeared without a trace).

The New Yorker

One day, he disappeared without a trace.

The Washington Post

Apparently it disappeared without a trace".

The New York Times - Books

"Some have disappeared without a trace.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disappear without a trace" to describe situations where something or someone vanishes mysteriously, leaving no clues or evidence behind. It's effective for emphasizing the thoroughness and inexplicability of the disappearance.

Common error

Avoid using "disappear without a trace" when something is simply lost or misplaced. The phrase implies a more profound and often mysterious vanishing, not just a temporary inability to locate something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disappear without a trace" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where someone or something vanishes completely, leaving no evidence or clues behind. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disappear without a trace" is a grammatically sound and frequently used idiomatic expression that vividly describes a complete and mysterious vanishing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for a wide range of contexts, though most common in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a situation where clues are entirely absent, and consider related alternatives like "vanish completely" or "evaporate into thin air" to fine-tune the descriptive impact. This phrase is generally considered to be neutral in formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vanish completely

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the disappearance.

leave no sign

Focuses on the absence of any indication that someone or something was ever present.

fade into oblivion

Suggests a gradual disappearance into obscurity or nothingness.

go missing without a clue

Highlights the mysterious nature of the disappearance, with no leads or explanations.

become invisible

Implies a sudden and complete disappearance from sight.

evaporate into thin air

Conveys a sudden and inexplicable disappearance.

dematerialize

Suggests a scientific or supernatural disappearance.

cease to exist

Focuses on the end of someone's or something's existence or presence.

be swallowed up

Implies being engulfed or consumed by something, leading to disappearance.

go off the grid

Indicates a deliberate disappearance from established systems and records.

FAQs

How can I use "disappear without a trace" in a sentence?

You can use "disappear without a trace" to describe a situation where someone or something vanishes completely, leaving no evidence or clues behind. For example, "The suspect managed to "disappear without a trace" after the crime."

What are some alternatives to "disappear without a trace"?

Some alternatives include "vanish completely", "leave no sign", or "evaporate into thin air". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "disappear without a trace" in formal writing?

Yes, "disappear without a trace" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, depending on the context. It's frequently used in news reports, fiction, and even some academic contexts.

What does it mean when someone is said to have "disappeared without a trace"?

It means they have vanished completely, leaving no clues or evidence to suggest where they went or what happened to them. It often implies a mysterious or unexplained disappearance.