leaves no trace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leaves no trace" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that there is no evidence or indication of something happening or existing. Example: "The skilled thief always made sure to leave no trace at the scene of the crime, making it difficult for the police to solve the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

This is graffiti that leaves no trace.

The Guardian

It kills a beautiful idea and leaves no trace.

The New Yorker

When a step has happened, it leaves no trace.

The New York Times - Arts

Unfortunately for archaeologists, however, their activity leaves no trace in the archaeological record.

Journal of Archaeological Science

Heartbeat requests aren't usually logged or monitored in any way, so an attack leaves no trace.

The New Yorker

She determined to preserve the history that otherwise leaves no trace – the stories of average survivors.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

(Irradiation leaves no traces of radioactive material in food).

The New York Times

Cash leaves no traces, erecting important barriers between the customer and the market.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most people leave no trace.

The Economist

"Leave no trace," is another.

Independent

The ghost has left no trace.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "leaves no trace" to emphasize the absence of evidence or impact, particularly when describing actions, events, or substances that are undetectable after the fact.

Common error

Avoid using "leaves no trace" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "disappears" or "doesn't show up" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaves no trace" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate to describe the absence of evidence or any lasting effect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Examples in Ludwig show it describing actions, substances, or events that disappear without a sign.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leaves no trace" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, indicating a complete absence of evidence or impact. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. As evidenced by various examples, this phrase commonly appears in news, science, and academic contexts, emphasizing undetectable actions or phenomena. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to slightly formal writing, avoiding overuse in casual speech. Alternatives such as "vanishes without a trace" or "leaves no evidence" can offer subtle variations in meaning. The consistent usage and clear meaning of "leaves no trace" solidify its place as a valuable addition to one's writing repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leaves no evidence

Highlights the lack of proof or indication.

leaves no mark

Emphasizes the absence of any lasting effect.

leaves nothing behind

Focuses on the absence of any remaining remnants.

vanishes without a trace

Implies a sudden and complete disappearance, often mysterious.

erases all signs

Suggests a deliberate removal of any indication.

is completely undetectable

Highlights the inability to find any evidence.

disappears completely

Focuses on the thoroughness of the disappearance.

obliterates any hint

Emphasizes the destruction of even the smallest clue.

disintegrates into nothing

Implies a complete breakdown and disappearance.

fades into oblivion

Implies a gradual disappearance into obscurity.

FAQs

How can I use "leaves no trace" in a sentence?

Use "leaves no trace" to describe something that disappears completely without any remaining evidence. For example, "The thief was so skilled that he "leaves no trace" at the crime scene."

What can I say instead of "leaves no trace"?

You can use alternatives like "vanishes without a trace", "leaves no evidence", or "disappears completely" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "leaves no trace" or "leave no trace"?

"Leaves no trace" is correct when referring to a singular subject, while "leave no trace" is used for plural subjects or in the imperative. For instance, "The strategy "leaves no trace" of its origins" versus "Hikers should "leave no trace" in the park."

What's the difference between "leaves no trace" and "leaves no mark"?

"Leaves no trace" implies a complete absence of evidence that something was ever there. "Leaves no mark" suggests that while something might have been present, it did not have a lasting effect or impact.