slight traces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight traces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe minimal or faint evidence of something, often in contexts like scientific observations or investigations. Example: "The archaeologists found slight traces of ancient civilization in the soil samples they collected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

DOWNEY JR: By the look of her hands and the slight traces of seaweed under her nails, it appears Miss Adler has been eating sushi.

The Guardian - Film

The devices, borne by aircraft, towed behind vehicles or carried by soldiers, can sense slight traces of heat on a cold mountainside, the hum of a buried generator, the magnetic signals from electrical wires.

The New York Times

But the span of billions of years of cosmic history since then has erased all but slight traces of the original waves, or wiggles, in structures today, Dr. Tegmark said.

The New York Times

The hospital had already taken nasal swabs of 250 employees who worked in the Midtown office building shared with Gov. George E. Pataki, where slight traces of anthrax were found two weeks ago.

The New York Times

It states that a FIFA official, Mihailo Andrejevic, wrote to the German Athletic Association regarding slight traces of the banned stimulant ephedrine in three of Germany's players in that match.

The New York Times - Sports

It's one of the film's merits that many of its supporting and bit characters represent the ethnic diversity of modern London but the movie does so without content or context, and suppressing even the slight traces of historical import that the first film offered.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

His voice bore the slight trace of a northern accent, of which Julian was proud.

The Guardian

In addition, due to slight misalignments of the hard drive, each of the bits often holds a slight trace of the previous magnetic state that it was in.

Cornell University

She also has a slight trace of what autism specialists call "mind-blindness" - a difficulty conceiving what other people might be thinking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As he began this historical exposition, Viktor put down a rather large bottle of beer and spoke carefully with just a slight trace of an intoxicated slur.

The New York Times

He had a curious way of speaking: very English, clipped, precise to the point of being old-fashioned and high-pitched, with a slight trace of an upper-class stutter — hardly more than an occasional hesitation in the middle of a word — and a tendency to turn every sentence into a question.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scientific findings or observations, use "slight traces" to accurately convey the presence of minimal or subtle evidence without overstating its significance. Be specific about what these "slight traces" consist of to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of "slight traces". Ensure that your interpretation remains consistent with the level of evidence. Don't present "slight traces" as conclusive proof or definitive findings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight traces" functions as a noun phrase, where 'slight' modifies 'traces'. It's used to describe the minimal presence or indication of something. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from scientific analysis to descriptions of physical remnants.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slight traces" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating the minimal or subtle presence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse fields such as news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, remember to be precise about what these traces are and avoid exaggerating their importance. Consider alternatives like "faint indications" or "subtle hints" to add nuance, but always ensure your language reflects the level of evidence accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faint indications

Emphasizes the subtle and indistinct nature of the evidence, focusing on its suggestive quality.

subtle hints

Highlights the indirectness and delicacy of the clues or signs present.

minor signs

Stresses the small scale and relative unimportance of the indications.

minimal remnants

Focuses on the surviving fragments or residues, emphasizing their scarcity.

barely perceptible marks

Highlights the difficulty in noticing or detecting the traces.

vague impressions

Suggests an unclear or indefinite sense of something being present.

ghostly vestiges

Implies that the traces are reminiscent of something from the past but are now barely there.

fleeting glimpses

Conveys the idea that the traces are momentary and quickly disappear.

slim evidence

Underlines the weakness and insufficiency of the evidence at hand.

shadowy imprints

Presents the traces as being vague and indistinct, similar to shadows.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "slight traces" in a sentence?

Use "slight traces" to indicate the presence of something in a minimal or subtle amount. For example, "The analysis revealed "slight traces" of the substance in the sample."

What are some alternatives to using "slight traces"?

You can use alternatives such as "faint indications", "subtle hints", or "minimal remnants" to convey a similar meaning. Each alternative may add a slightly different nuance to your description depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "slight traces" in formal writing?

Yes, "slight traces" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in scientific, academic, or technical contexts where precision is important. It accurately conveys a small quantity or minimal evidence.

What's the difference between "slight traces" and "significant traces"?

"Slight traces" indicates a very small amount or minimal evidence, while "significant traces" implies a more substantial quantity or more compelling evidence. The choice depends on the actual amount or impact observed.