left a trail

USAGE SUMMARY

"left a trail" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means that someone or something has left a physical or metaphorical trace or evidence behind. Example: "The detective carefully examined the crime scene, looking for any clues that may have been left a trail by the perpetrator." "I followed the footprints in the snow, hoping they would lead me to the lost hiker who had left a trail." "The teacher's passion for literature left a trail of inspiration and love for reading in her students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The crash left a trail of destruction.

The New York Times

Lindsay lost, and the dispute left a trail of bitterness.

The New York Times - Books

This pattern has left a trail of human wreckage.

The New York Times

Instead, Griffin left a trail of squandered potential.

The New York Times - Sports

I haven't left a trail of weeping women.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The hunt for antiquities has left a trail of destruction.

The New York Times - Arts

Wadsworth left a trail that historians and genealogical experts had been unable to pick up.

The New York Times - Sports

He was hunted by about 50 Germans and left a trail in the deep snow.

The New York Times

The gesture seemed to hang in the air, as if her arm had left a trail.

The New Yorker

Assaults on oil pipelines and electricity substations have left a trail of human casualties.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The giant storm has left a trail of massive power outages, downed trees and flooded homes.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "left a trail", consider whether a more specific term might better convey the nature of the trail. For example, "left a trail of destruction" is more descriptive than simply "left a trail".

Common error

Avoid using "left a trail" in overly passive constructions that obscure the agent responsible for the trail. For example, instead of "A trail was left by the storm", it's better to say "The storm left a trail".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left a trail" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of something creating a path, series of effects, or evidence behind it. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently used and grammatically sound. The examples provided by Ludwig show its versatility in describing both literal and figurative trails.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.25%

Academia

0.25%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "left a trail" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the consequences or lasting effects of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's very common, particularly in news and media, and serves to highlight the impact or lingering presence of something. While its register is generally neutral, the phrase is adaptable for different contexts. When using "left a trail", consider employing more descriptive terms to enhance the clarity and impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had lasting effects

Highlights the enduring nature of the impact.

left its mark

Focuses on the noticeable and distinctive impact made.

left a legacy

Highlights the long-term impact and lasting impression.

created a path

Focuses on the act of establishing a route or direction.

generated repercussions

Implies significant and often negative effects.

caused a ripple effect

Emphasizes the spreading consequences of an action.

produced consequences

Stresses the results or outcomes of a particular event or situation.

resulted in consequences

Emphasizes the causal relationship between an action and its results.

triggered a series of events

Highlights the initiation of a sequence of occurrences.

established a precedent

Focuses on setting a standard for future actions or decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "left a trail" in a sentence?

You can use "left a trail" to describe something that has created a path or series of effects. For example, "The scandal left a trail of distrust within the company."

What are some synonyms for "left a trail"?

Alternatives include "created a path", "left a legacy", or "had lasting effects", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "left a trail of" or "left a path of"?

While both are grammatically correct, "left a trail of" is more commonly used to describe a series of consequences or evidence, while "left a path of" often refers to a physical route or direction.

What's the difference between "left a trail" and "left a wake"?

"Left a trail" typically refers to a series of events or evidence following an action, whereas "left a wake" implies a more immediate and often turbulent consequence, similar to how a boat leaves a wake behind it.