hard to trace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to trace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult to track, locate, or identify, often in contexts related to information, evidence, or origins. Example: "The origins of the ancient artifact are hard to trace, leaving historians puzzled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

That cash is hard to trace.

The New York Times

Illnesses caused by spices are hard to trace.

The New York Times

The spread of this style is hard to trace.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And the records are often hard to trace.

The Guardian

"So it's hard to trace which is which".

The New York Times

Besides, itinerant high divers are not that hard to trace.

The New York Times - Books

It's hard to trace the moment, but let's hope it's passed.

The New York Times

The reasons are easy to grasp, if sometimes hard to trace.

The New York Times

The roots of their renewed popularity are not hard to trace.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Fraudulent sales were formerly dominated by hard-to-trace transactions involving cash or money orders.

The New York Times - Tech

Instead, the campaigns expand and refine their digital attacks, often using hard-to-trace and easily disavowed volunteers and supporters to do the dirty work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about abstract concepts like trends or influences, use "hard to trace" to convey the ambiguity or complexity of their origins. For example: "The roots of this artistic movement are hard to trace."

Common error

Avoid using "hard to trace" when describing something easily found or understood. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to trace" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the quality of something being difficult to follow, track, or ascertain. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hard to trace" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes something difficult to track, identify, or ascertain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and adaptable to various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media and Scientific domains. While alternatives like "difficult to track" or "challenging to identify" exist, "hard to trace" remains a clear and effective way to communicate the elusiveness or complexity of something. Remember to avoid overuse in simple scenarios to maintain the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to track

Focuses on the challenge of following the path or progress of something.

challenging to identify

Highlights the problem of pinpointing or recognizing something specific.

tough to ascertain

Emphasizes the difficulty in confirming or establishing something definitively.

elusive to follow

Suggests that something is slippery or hard to keep up with.

obscure to detect

Indicates that something is hidden or not easily noticed.

hard to pinpoint

Highlights the difficulty in locating something exactly.

difficult to unravel

Focuses on the complexity of disentangling or solving something.

resistant to discovery

Implies that something actively avoids being found.

hidden from detection

Highlights the concealment of something from being noticed or found.

tough to unearth

Emphasizes the difficulty in discovering or revealing something buried or hidden.

FAQs

How can I use "hard to trace" in a sentence?

Use "hard to trace" to describe something whose origins, causes, or path are difficult to follow or discover. For example, "The source of the data breach was "hard to trace" because the hackers used multiple proxies."

What are some alternatives to "hard to trace"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult to track", "challenging to identify", or "elusive to follow" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "hard to trace" and "difficult to trace"?

"Hard to trace" and "difficult to trace" are largely interchangeable. "Difficult" is slightly more formal, but both convey the same meaning of something being not easily tracked or found.

When is it appropriate to use "hard to trace"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey the idea that something is not straightforward to follow or discover, often due to complexity, intentional obfuscation, or lack of clear evidence.