every last trace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "every last trace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the complete removal or absence of something, often in contexts related to cleaning, erasing, or eliminating evidence. Example: "After the investigation, the team ensured that every last trace of the suspect was removed from the crime scene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

We mopped up every last trace.

The New York Times

"Every last trace of my life, as I knew it, was thrown away," she said.

The New Yorker

If this is meant to burn off every last trace of sentimentality, it doesn't really work.

The New York Times - Books

I will not rest until every last trace of the influence you had on this sport has been destroyed like the cancer it is.

The Guardian - Sport

Even before the shanty was gone — snow covering its outline, the melt washing away its every last trace — it had been barely visible from the street.

The New York Times

Using a damp, comfortably hot cloth will not only remove every last trace of make-up, but also gently scrub the skin, leaving it glowing and ready to drink up serum (I haven't used a separate exfoliator for years).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Eight centuries on from Magna Carta, the potential to follow every last electronic trace rewrites the contract between citizen and state.

The Guardian - Opinion

They've spent the last decade moving away from that name; today, the last trace of it dies.

TechCrunch

This message is the last trace of him alive.

The Guardian

T2 is taken to be just above the observed last trace of crystallinity.

Polymer

Sir Kenelm Digby kept the painting in his bedroom, a last trace of his lost love.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "every last trace" when you want to emphasize the thoroughness of removal or the completeness of absence. It adds a sense of finality and meticulousness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "every last trace" in overly casual conversations or informal writing where a simpler phrase like "everything" or "all of it" would suffice. The phrase's formality can feel out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "every last trace" functions as an intensifier preceding a noun, emphasizing the thoroughness or completeness of something being removed or absent. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "every last trace" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize the complete removal or absence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It appears most often in news and media, as well as wiki articles, and has a generally neutral to formal tone. While "all traces" is similar, "every last trace" conveys a stronger emphasis on thoroughness. When writing, be mindful of overusing it in casual settings. Consider contextually appropriate alternatives such as "complete absence" or "total elimination" for improved clarity or impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entire removal

Stresses the complete act of taking something away.

every single vestige

Emphasizes that not even the smallest sign remains.

total elimination

Highlights the act of completely removing something.

absolute eradication

Implies a forceful and thorough removal.

complete absence

Focuses on the total lack of something rather than the act of removing it.

total obliteration

Suggests something has been completely destroyed or erased.

utter disappearance

Emphasizes that something has vanished entirely.

full deletion

Implies a digital or systematic removal of data or information.

thorough cleansing

Focuses on the act of cleaning to remove any residue.

not a single bit

Uses a more informal tone to indicate nothing remains.

FAQs

How can I use "every last trace" in a sentence?

You can use "every last trace" to emphasize the complete removal or absence of something. For example: "The detectives meticulously searched the crime scene to eliminate "every last trace" of evidence."

What are some alternatives to "every last trace"?

Some alternatives include "complete absence", "total elimination", or "utter disappearance" depending on the specific context.

Is it more effective to say "every last trace" or "all traces"?

"Every last trace" is more emphatic than "all traces". The addition of "last" intensifies the sense of completeness, making it a stronger choice when you want to highlight thoroughness.

Can "every last trace" be used in both formal and informal writing?

While grammatically correct in both, "every last trace" leans towards a more formal register. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "all of it" or "everything" might be more appropriate.