simply a trace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply a trace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is minimal or barely noticeable, often in contexts related to evidence or remnants of something. Example: "The investigation revealed simply a trace of the suspect's presence at the scene."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Knowing that CoOx is a more preferable active site for the photocatalytic OER, we attempted to improve the OER rate by simply adding a trace amount (~0.05 wt %) of noble metals to a cobalt-modified Ta3N5.

Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy

This is a well-established effect of this drug, and is commonly used; we simply included a trace to make sure the drug was effective (this control trace is not normally included in publications and could be removed to save space).

eLife

The show's first image, a salted-paper print by Talbot from 1841-42, isimplyly a photographic trace — a solid white image against a black background — of a sprig of wild fennel.

The New York Times - Arts

In addition unlike optical tomographic imaging, NIRS does not provide the physician with an image of the blood flow, but simply a time trace of the hemoglobin concentrations.

Biomedical Optics Express

We've only really seen this happen once with Heath, a minor character who simply disappeared without a trace years ago, but we've seen no indication he actually died.

Forbes

Other factory bosses on the brink have simply fled without a trace.

The New Yorker

Chief among them is the threat of abduction, or of the child simply disappearing without a trace.

The Washington Post

Whether from war, terrorism, kidnappings or simply vanishing without a trace, many families have no body to bury.

The New York Times

In a community where it's impossible to keep anything to yourself, how could two of its most well-known and liked members simply vanish without a trace?

The Guardian - Books

And some will simply disappear without a trace.

TechCrunch

So this means that all we are left to do is fantasize about fleeing to some exotic destination or better still, we can think about all the annoying people we wish would simply vanish without a trace (at least for a very long while).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simply a trace" to clearly indicate that the amount or evidence of something is extremely minimal. This phrase is suitable when you want to downplay the significance of a finding or observation.

Common error

Avoid using "simply a trace" when the evidence is actually substantial or significant. This phrase is meant to convey minimal presence, not to diminish something of importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply a trace" functions as a qualifier, emphasizing the minimal presence of something. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is often used to describe something that is minimal or barely noticeable, often in contexts related to evidence or remnants of something.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "simply a trace" is used to indicate the very minimal presence or amount of something. According to Ludwig AI, this grammatically correct phrase commonly appears across diverse contexts, implying its versatility in various forms of writing. Although example sentences are missing at the moment, the phrase's intended purpose is to minimize significance, making it appropriate for descriptive and factual contexts, particularly in scientific, news and business writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely a hint

Replaces "simply" with "merely", emphasizing the small amount.

just a hint

Uses "just" instead of "simply", keeping the emphasis on minimal presence.

barely a trace

Emphasizes the scantiness of the trace.

only a trace

Highlights the exclusivity of the trace being minimal.

a mere vestige

Replaces "trace" with "vestige", indicating a surviving sign.

a faint indication

Substitutes "trace" with "indication", stressing the subtlety.

a slight sign

Replaces "trace" with "sign", focusing on the observable evidence.

a minimal remnant

Emphasizes the remnant aspect of the trace.

a shadow of evidence

Uses a more metaphorical expression for a very small trace.

virtually no evidence

Highlights the almost complete absence of evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "simply a trace" in a sentence?

You can use "simply a trace" to indicate that something is present in a very small amount or is barely noticeable. For example, "The forensic analysis revealed "simply a trace" of the toxin".

What are some alternatives to "simply a trace"?

Alternatives to "simply a trace" include "merely a hint", "just a hint", or "barely a trace". These phrases emphasize the minimal presence of something.

Is it more appropriate to say "simply a trace" or "just a trace"?

Both "simply a trace" and "just a trace" are acceptable. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Simply a trace" may suggest something is uncomplicated or straightforward, while "just a trace" emphasizes the small quantity.

In what context is it best to use the phrase "simply a trace"?

The phrase "simply a trace" is best used in contexts where you want to downplay the significance or amount of something. It's common in scientific, forensic, or investigative contexts where small amounts are being discussed.