remaining traces

USAGE SUMMARY

"remaining traces" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when referring to the lingering remnants of something that was once there but not longer is. For example, "The remains of the house were cleared away, leaving only remaining traces of the foundation".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Brazzaville shows few remaining traces of civil war.

The New Yorker

Health officials in the area had been on the alert for remaining traces of the substance.

The New York Times

Any remaining traces of socialist thought in the Nazi Party had been extinguished.

Britannica

Afterwards it seemed that his remaining traces of geniality and humor had disappeared.

The New Yorker

Remaining traces of solo violin work were handily dispatched by the concertmaster, Luca Mares.

The New York Times - Arts

The source said there was still marijuana smoke inside the cabin but no remaining traces of the drug were found.

The Guardian - Music

"We want to see the remaining traces of that time," he said, sawing a rib-eye steak.

The New York Times

He used no archival footage; rather, he filmed the remaining traces and transformed places that were the sites of the deportation and murder of European Jews.

The New Yorker

Nearly every day, government forces and insurgents shell each other across Mogadishu's already dilapidated neighborhoods, scattering bodies and any remaining traces of hope.

The New York Times

I suppose we must salute the latest blow for the powerful tendency which seeks to erase all remaining traces of candour from sport.

The Guardian - Sport

At the spot where the accident occurred, the truck slows and, with high-powered jets of water, flushes away any remaining traces of blood.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remaining traces" to subtly indicate the presence of something that is mostly gone, allowing the reader to infer the original state or past event. It's effective for creating a sense of mystery or historical context.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "remaining traces" within a single paragraph or document. Vary your language by using synonyms like "lingering signs" or "residual marks" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remaining traces" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "remaining" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "traces". It describes the vestiges or marks that are left behind after something has diminished or disappeared. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-formed and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remaining traces" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that refers to the lingering remnants or evidence of something that once existed but is now diminished or gone. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, scientific writing, and encyclopedic descriptions. While versatile, writers should avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "lingering signs" or "residual marks" for greater impact. The frequency analysis reveals its common usage, supported by authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of history, loss, or the subtle persistence of the past.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining indications

Similar to "leftover indications", but highlights the fact that indications are what is left.

lingering signs

Emphasizes the persistence or continuation of the signs, differing from the static nature of "traces".

residual marks

Focuses on the marks left behind, highlighting a more visible or physical remnant than "traces".

surviving remnants

Highlights the idea that the remnants have endured or overcome something, adding a sense of resilience not present in "traces".

persisting vestiges

Implies a more formal or historical context, with "vestiges" suggesting something old or fading, unlike the more neutral "traces".

last vestiges

Highlights the final remnants of something, emphasizing its near disappearance more strongly than "traces".

leftover indications

Is more direct and less subtle, where indications refers to proof of something.

enduring impressions

Suggests a lasting impact or effect, while "traces" can be more superficial or fleeting.

existing imprints

Emphasizes a physical mark or impression, while "traces" can be more general.

retained elements

Focuses on specific components that have been kept or preserved, while "traces" is broader.

FAQs

How can I use "remaining traces" in a sentence?

Use "remaining traces" to describe the small, often subtle indications that something existed or occurred in the past. For example, "The archaeologists found "remaining traces" of an ancient settlement beneath the modern city."

What are some alternatives to "remaining traces"?

You can use alternatives like "lingering signs", "residual marks", or "surviving remnants" depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate: "remaining traces" or "lingering signs"?

"Remaining traces" suggests subtle remnants, while "lingering signs" implies more obvious or persistent indications. The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of visibility of the remnants.

What is the difference between "remaining traces" and "surviving remnants"?

"Remaining traces" is a neutral term for leftover evidence, while "surviving remnants" emphasizes that these remnants have endured or overcome some challenge or destructive force.