it can be traced to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be traced to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the origin or source of something, indicating that it can be followed back to a specific point or cause. Example: "The origins of this tradition can be traced to ancient rituals practiced by early civilizations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

It can be traced to 1980s New York.

The Economist

Much of it can be traced to reality TV.

The Guardian

In many ways, it can be traced to the administration Brzezinski himself served in.

The New York Times - Books

And, unlike many cultural inventions, it can be traced to a single person".

The New York Times - Books

It can be traced to what I've come to think of as the anthropological unconscious of the African novel.

The Guardian - Books

According to Drucker, in every single case it can be traced to an individual, though not necessarily the founder.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

The derivation of the word is uncertain, though it possibly can be traced to the medieval Latin carnem levare or carnelevarium, which means to take away or remove meat.

Britannica

But the heart of the company was human, and much of the art it produced can be traced to the exertions of two brothers, Brian and Eddie Holland, and their friend Lamont Dozier.

The New Yorker

The reasons it did not can be traced to a director named Elinor Renfield, who had staged "Passion Play" in Washington and holds the American rights to this work.

The New York Times

The whole point is to take something hypothetical and extrapolate it.' Docu-dramas can be traced to the early Sixties in Britain.

The Guardian

The indictments make it clear that the attack can be traced to the very heart of Putin's government.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can be traced to", ensure the connection between the subject and its origin is clear and supported by evidence. Vague connections can weaken your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "it can be traced to" when the origin is speculative or based on limited evidence. Instead, use qualifiers like "it may be linked to" or "it is possibly related to" to indicate uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be traced to" functions as a causal connector, indicating that something originates from or has its roots in a particular source or event. This phrase serves to establish a relationship between an outcome and its cause. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can be traced to" is a commonly used causal connector that helps to establish the origin or source of something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While versatile, it is important to ensure the connection is well-supported and to avoid overstating the certainty of origins when evidence is limited. Related phrases such as "it stems from" or "it originates in" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it stems from

Uses a different verb to indicate origin or cause.

it originates in

Replaces 'traced to' with 'originates in', focusing on the place or time of origin.

it is attributable to

Emphasizes the cause or agent responsible for something.

it is rooted in

Highlights the deep-seated origin or foundation of something.

it derives from

Indicates that something is obtained or developed from a source.

it has its basis in

Focuses on the fundamental principles or ideas from which something is developed.

it is a consequence of

Shifts the focus to the result or effect of something else.

it is a product of

Implies that something is the result of a process or set of conditions.

it arises from

Suggests that something emerges or originates from a particular situation.

it is born out of

Implies something originates from a specific circumstance or event.

FAQs

How can I use "it can be traced to" in a sentence?

Use "it can be traced to" to indicate the origin or cause of something. For instance, "The company's success "it can be traced to" its innovative marketing strategies."

What are some alternatives to "it can be traced to"?

You can use alternatives such as "it stems from", "it originates in", or "it is attributable to" depending on the context.

Is "it can be traced to" formal or informal?

"It can be traced to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it is widely used in news, academic writing, and general conversation.

What's the difference between "it can be traced to" and "it is related to"?

"It can be traced to" implies a direct line of origin or causation, while "it is related to" suggests a connection or association that may not be causal.