may be traced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be traced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used 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 may be traced back to ancient rituals practiced by early civilizations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Two lines of development may be traced in this period.

Britannica

The underlying cause of the failure may be traced to a lack of sufficient backfill stiffness.

Failure Analysis Case Studies II

The revival of the flower may be traced to its soothing, nostalgic appeal.

The New York Times - Style

Moral disapprobation of apathy and collapse may be traced to medieval times and beyond.

The Guardian - Books

The origin of Kriemhild's legend may be traced to two historical events.

Britannica

The distribution of the dorsal rami of the deep cervical and intercostal arteries may be traced.

Stanford University

The history of the Qin dynasty may be traced to the 8th century bce.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The full generalisation history of each feature may be traced for data authentication and quality analysis, or for update propagation.

Computers, Environment and Urban Systems

The term 'Process Systems Engineering' may be traced back at least as far as the early 1960s.

Computers & Chemical Engineering

She belonged to the line in American poetry that may be traced back through Robert Frost to Mistress Bradstreet.

The New Yorker

"Why wait for a man to give her a diamond ring?" This notion may be traced back, approximately, to September.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be traced", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being traced and to what it is being traced to maintain clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "may be traced" in passive constructions where the subject doing the tracing is unclear. This can lead to vagueness and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be traced" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates a possibility of finding the origin or cause of something. Ludwig AI shows it's used to describe how something can be followed back to its source, often implying a historical connection or influence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be traced" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb construction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to indicate that the origin or development of something can be followed back to a specific source. Its usage spans academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts, lending itself to a neutral to formal register. While alternatives exist, such as "can be attributed to" or "stems from", the choice depends on the intended nuance. When using "may be traced", clarity is paramount; ensure both the subject and the source being traced are clearly defined to avoid vagueness. The phrase's versatility and widespread use across authoritative sources underscore its value in conveying historical connections and influences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be attributed to

Emphasizes the cause or origin of something, often implying a direct link or responsibility.

can be tracked to

Suggests a process of following something over time to its source or beginning.

can be linked to

Highlights a connection or association between two things, implying a relationship rather than a direct origin.

find its roots in

More metaphorical, indicating that something originated or developed from a particular source.

has its origins in

Focuses on the beginning or starting point of something.

stems from

Implies that something originates or arises from a particular source or cause.

is derived from

Highlights that something is obtained or developed from a specific source.

is connected to

Suggests a broader relationship or association rather than a strict origin.

relates back to

Indicates a connection to an earlier time, event, or idea.

is historically linked to

Specific to the historical context.

FAQs

How can I use "may be traced" in a sentence?

Use "may be traced" to indicate that something's origin or development can be followed back to a particular source. For example, "The origins of jazz music "may be traced" to African rhythms and European harmonies."

What are some alternatives to saying "may be traced"?

You can use alternatives such as "can be attributed to", "can be linked to", or "stems from" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "can be traced" or "may be traced"?

"Can be traced" suggests a stronger certainty that the origin is definitively known, while "may be traced" implies a possibility or likelihood. The choice depends on the level of certainty you wish to express.

What's the difference between "may be traced" and "is traceable to"?

"May be traced" is a verb phrase indicating a process of discovery, while "is traceable to" is an adjectival phrase describing a quality of being able to be traced. For instance, "The problem "may be traced" to a software bug" versus "The problem's origin is "traceable to" a software bug."