disappears without a trace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disappears without a trace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that vanishes completely, leaving no evidence or indication of their presence. Example: "The magician performed an incredible trick where the rabbit disappears without a trace, leaving the audience in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

What happens when the coolest kid in town disappears without a trace?

The Guardian - Books

After an accident victim awakes from a coma, her journalist friend disappears without a trace.

The New York Times - Books

A minor poet disappears without a trace, hopelessly stranded in some town on the Mediterranean coast of France.

The New Yorker

Finally she enlists in the Navy Nursing Corps; on a hospital ship in the South China Sea, she falls in love with a wounded Air Force navigator who, during his next mission, disappears without a trace.

The New York Times - Books

At the beginning of Deborah Blum's "Poisoner's Handbook," a murderer named Frederic Mors gets off virtually scot-free after confessing to multiple killings by poison, then disappears without a trace.

The New York Times - Books

All your browsing activity disappears without a trace once you shut an iCloak session down.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

While other famous people have disappeared without a trace, no disappearance seems to have had, or continues to have, such a grip on our spirits.

Huffington Post

He disappeared without a trace".

The New York Times

Most cookbooks disappear without a trace.

The New York Times - Food

(Charlie later disappeared without a trace).

The New Yorker

Apparently it disappeared without a trace".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disappears without a trace" to create a sense of mystery or finality when describing a disappearance. It emphasizes that there's no evidence or clue left behind.

Common error

Avoid using "disappears without a trace" in situations where the disappearance is easily explainable or predictable, as it can make your writing sound clichéd. Instead, reserve it for truly mysterious or inexplicable vanishings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disappears without a trace" primarily functions as a descriptive element within a sentence, often as part of the predicate. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a complete and mysterious vanishing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disappears without a trace" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a complete and mysterious vanishing. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it evokes mystery and emphasizes the lack of remaining evidence. While versatile, overuse in predictable situations should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "vanishes completely" or "leaves no sign" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vanishes completely

Focuses on the completeness of the vanishing act, omitting the 'trace' aspect.

leaves no sign

Emphasizes the lack of evidence left behind, rather than the act of disappearing itself.

fades into oblivion

Highlights the disappearance into a state of being forgotten, with a more figurative tone.

goes missing

A more general term for someone or something that is lost or absent.

is never seen again

Focuses on the permanent nature of the disappearance.

becomes lost forever

Emphasizes the permanent and irretrievable nature of the disappearance.

evaporates into thin air

Uses a metaphor to describe a sudden and inexplicable disappearance.

is swallowed up

Suggests that something has been completely consumed or absorbed.

ceases to exist

Highlights the complete end of something's presence.

is wiped off the map

Emphasizes a complete removal of something from existence or memory.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "disappears without a trace"?

When something or someone "disappears without a trace", it means they vanish completely, leaving no evidence or clues behind about where they went or what happened to them.

What can I say instead of "disappears without a trace"?

You can use alternatives like "vanishes completely", "leaves no sign", or "goes missing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "disappeared without a trace"?

Yes, "disappeared without a trace" is grammatically correct. It is the past tense form of "disappears without a trace" and is used to describe something that vanished in the past.

What kind of situations typically involve something "disappearing without a trace"?

This phrase is often used in mystery novels, crime stories, or historical accounts to describe unsolved disappearances, unexplained phenomena, or situations where evidence is completely lacking.