no trace of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "no trace of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is completely absent or cannot be found. Example: Despite searching for hours, there was no trace of the missing hiker in the dense forest.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No trace of them.

The New Yorker

No trace of stability.

The Guardian

No trace of either work survives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And no trace of any slippers.

The New Yorker

I found no trace of Wyman.

The New Yorker

No trace of that spirit exists today.

The New York Times

There is no trace of Oberfest today.

The New Yorker

No trace of his tomb remains.

Independent

The searchers found no trace of him.

The New Yorker

No trace of it remains.

The Guardian - Books

No trace of that now.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no trace of" to convey a complete absence, emphasizing the thoroughness of a search or the totality of a disappearance.

Common error

Avoid using "no trace of" when a partial or slight presence is actually the case. "No trace of" implies a complete absence, so choose a more accurate phrase if something is merely diminished or reduced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no trace of" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the complete absence of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it correctly expresses the idea that something is entirely missing. It is used to emphasize that nothing remains to indicate the presence of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "no trace of" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the complete absence of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's used to emphasize that there is absolutely no evidence or indication remaining. Found frequently in News & Media, encyclopedias and science articles, it maintains a neutral register applicable across various contexts. Alternatives such as "no sign of" or "no evidence of" can be used to convey similar meanings, though "no trace of" often suggests a more thorough or complete disappearance. Remember to use it accurately, implying a total absence rather than a mere reduction. Avoid "no trace about"; the correct form is "no trace of". Through many examples, Ludwig provides a clear picture of its appropriate and varied uses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no sign of

Indicates a lack of any indication or evidence, similar to "no trace of".

no evidence of

Focuses on the absence of proof or support for something.

no vestige of

Implies that even the smallest remnant or sign is missing.

no hint of

Suggests the complete absence of even a slight indication.

no indication of

Similar to "no sign of", but perhaps slightly more formal.

not a shred of

Emphasizes the complete lack of even a tiny amount.

without a hint of

Highlights the absence of any suggestion or clue.

entirely absent of

Directly states that something is completely missing.

completely devoid of

Emphasizes the total lack of something, often used in a more descriptive or figurative sense.

nothing to suggest

Indicates an absence of anything that would lead one to believe something.

FAQs

What does "no trace of" mean?

The phrase "no trace of" signifies a complete absence or lack of any indication that something exists or has been present.

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

You can use alternatives like "no sign of", "no evidence of", or "no vestige of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "there was no trace about"?

No, the correct phrasing is "there was "no trace of"". The preposition "of" is essential to the meaning and grammatical structure of the phrase.

How to use "no trace of" in a sentence?

You can use "no trace of" to describe the absence of something after a search or event. For example, "After the storm, there was "no trace of" the old pier".