is traced to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is traced to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the origin or source of something, often in historical or analytical contexts. Example: "The origins of the festival are traced to ancient agricultural rituals that celebrated the harvest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Casey's weirdness and introversion is traced to this abuse.

The New Yorker

The custom of exchanging valentines is traced to the 14th century and Geoffrey Chaucer.

The New York Times

21 March Email address used by the killer is traced to an apartment block in Toulouse.

Independent

Her lineage is traced to Karanga (Shona) immigrants from what is now southern Zimbabwe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The South Korean Mers outbreak is traced to a man who returned from a business trip to the Middle East.

The Guardian

Its traditional friendship with Sparta is traced to the legend of Decelus, the hero for whom the deme was named.

Encyclopedia Britannica

*An eight-mile-long oil slick on the Delaware River is traced to the company's dumping of contaminated wastewater into Phillipsburg, N.J., storm drains.

The New York Times - Arts

"Criminalized and exposed as an active evil, it is traced to its source" -- that dastardly mutation of the snake, the Devil, "father of lies".

The New York Times - Books

— Jeff Gordinier The Chicago Tribune: A salmonella outbreak among sushi and sashimi eaters in several states is traced to frozen tuna from a California processor.

The New York Times

Edgar's ancestry is traced to Jacques Moutoux, who was one of the leaders in the Glorious Return by the Waldensians in 1689.

The New York Times

A lot of the animosity between Bodos, the original inhabitants, and Muslims, is traced to the former's real and perceived loss of land.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is traced to", ensure that the connection between the subject and its origin is clear and supported by evidence. Avoid vague or unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid using "is traced to" when the connection is merely correlational or speculative. Ensure a direct and well-established relationship exists between the subject and its purported origin.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is traced to" functions as a passive voice construction indicating the origin or source of something. It connects a subject with its cause, root, or historical antecedent. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is traced to" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate the origin or cause of something. Ludwig AI confirms it is widely accepted and frequently encountered in various contexts, notably news, science, and encyclopedic entries. While alternatives like "originates from" or "is attributed to" exist, "is traced to" emphasizes a historical or developmental connection. When using this phrase, ensure the link between the subject and its origin is clear and well-supported.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is caused by

Directly indicates the reason or agent responsible for something.

is attributed to

Highlights the assignment of a cause or characteristic to something.

can be linked to

Emphasizes a connection or relationship between two things.

originates from

Focuses on the starting point or beginning of something.

stems from

Suggests that something develops or arises from something else.

is derived from

Indicates that something is obtained or developed from a source.

is rooted in

Implies that something has deep or fundamental origins.

is a consequence of

Focuses on the result or effect of a particular cause.

is born from

Suggests a new creation or development from a specific source.

finds its source in

Highlights the location or origin from which something arises.

FAQs

How can I use "is traced to" in a sentence?

Use "is traced to" to indicate the origin, source, or cause of something. For example, "The custom of exchanging valentines "is traced to" the 14th century and Geoffrey Chaucer."

What are some alternatives to "is traced to"?

Alternatives include "originates from", "stems from", "is attributed to", and "is caused by". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "is traced to" and "is attributed to"?

"Is traced to" often implies a historical or developmental connection, while "is attributed to" suggests assigning a cause or characteristic. For example, a disease might be traced to a specific genetic mutation, but a scientific discovery might be attributed to a particular researcher.

Can "is traced to" be used for both positive and negative outcomes?

Yes, "is traced to" can be used in both contexts. For example, "The success of the project "is traced to" effective teamwork," or "The failure of the mission "is traced to" poor planning."