not a trace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'not a trace' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that there is nothing left of something, or that it is entirely absent. For example: "After the flood, there was not a trace of the home left."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not a trace.

The New York Times - Sports

Not a trace remains.

The New York Times

Not a trace of mud.

Independent

But of John Wayne, not a trace.

The New York Times

Not a trace of him was left.

The Guardian - Opinion

And there's not a trace of the sex wars here.

The New York Times - Books

Yet there was not a trace of ill-feeling.

The Guardian - Sport

And not a trace of kangaroo about him.

The Guardian

This time, there was not a trace of subtlety.

The New Yorker

There was not a trace of a breeze.

The New Yorker

There's not a trace of healthier-than-thou smugness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not a trace" to create emphasis when describing the complete absence of something, particularly when a previous presence might be expected.

Common error

Avoid using "not a trace" in situations where a simpler "none" or "nothing" would suffice. The phrase carries a certain weight and is most effective when emphasizing a surprising or significant absence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a trace" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the complete absence or lack of something. It is typically used to underscore that nothing remains or that something has vanished completely, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not a trace" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that emphasizes the complete absence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for diverse writing styles, particularly in narrative and descriptive contexts. The phrase functions as an intensifier, highlighting the thoroughness of an absence, and is frequently found in reputable news sources like the New York Times and The Guardian. While versatile, it should be used judiciously to avoid overuse in simple contexts, as its strength lies in emphasizing significant or surprising absences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no sign whatsoever

Emphasizes the complete absence of any indication or evidence.

no evidence at all

Highlights the lack of proof or substantiation.

completely absent

Directly states the total absence of something.

entirely gone

Focuses on the disappearance or vanishing of something.

vanished without a trace

Implies a mysterious or sudden disappearance.

not a hint

Suggests the absence of even the slightest indication.

no vestige remains

Indicates that nothing remains of something that once existed.

utterly devoid

Emphasizes the complete lack of a particular quality or element.

without any indication

Highlights the lack of any sign or clue.

nothing to be found

States that something is simply not present or discoverable.

FAQs

How can I use "not a trace" in a sentence?

Use "not a trace" to emphasize the complete absence of something. For example: "After the storm, there was "not a trace" of the beach house."

What phrases are similar to "not a trace"?

Alternatives include "no sign whatsoever", "completely absent", or "vanished without a trace", depending on the desired nuance.

Is "not a trace" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "not a trace" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, although it adds a degree of emphasis that might not always be necessary in purely factual contexts.

What's the difference between "not a trace" and "no sign"?

"Not a trace" implies a complete and thorough absence, whereas "no sign" simply suggests a lack of indication or evidence. "Not a trace" is generally stronger and more emphatic.