there is not a trace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is not a trace" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is no longer present or has completely disappeared. For example, "When I checked the cupboard, I noticed that there was not a trace of the cookies I had baked earlier that day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"From beginning to end there is not a trace of pianoforte style in the work," he insisted.

The New York Times - Arts

In Levitt's images of children at play in Spanish Harlem and the Lower East Side there is not a trace of cynicism.

The New York Times - Arts

There is not a trace here of sentimentality or falsehood.

The New York Times

There is not a trace of post-Wagnerian posturing here.

The New York Times - Arts

There is not a trace of senescence in the air.

The New York Times

There is not a trace of bitterness in her.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

I mean I often thank God that there isn't a trace of them".

The Guardian

There isn't a trace of camp, as there might have been if the actors had really been singing.

The New York Times - Arts

The help is friendly and generous, and there isn't a trace of the finickiness of which Craft has sometimes been accused.

The New Yorker

(There isn't a trace of "D'oh!" here.) The second con man, Face, the shill, played by Jeremy Shamos, is a master of false courtliness and Igor-like servility.

The New York Times

But there isn't a trace of her actual character in Pam, people just say that because she's from Essex and they hear me doing the accent.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there is not a trace" to emphasize the thorough disappearance or absence of something, conveying a sense of completeness or finality.

Common error

Avoid using "there is not a trace" in situations where a simpler phrase like "it's gone" or "it's missing" would suffice. This phrase is best reserved for situations where you want to emphasize the completeness of the absence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is not a trace" functions as an emphatic expression of absence. It asserts that something is completely missing or has entirely disappeared. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts, from physical objects to abstract qualities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

13%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there is not a trace" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the complete absence of something. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous real-world examples demonstrating its versatility across various contexts. Primarily found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, remember that simpler alternatives may be better in everyday situations and use it to emphasize the through disappearance or absence of something to get your point across.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no sign remains

Emphasizes the complete absence of any indication or evidence.

not a vestige remains

Highlights the lack of even the smallest remnant or indication.

all evidence is gone

Focuses on the disappearance of any proof or supporting information.

it completely vanished

Stresses the thorough and total disappearance of something.

nothing is left

Indicates the absolute absence of anything remaining.

it disappeared entirely

Highlights the complete removal or vanishing of something.

it's completely absent

Emphasizes the total lack of presence.

it's nowhere to be found

Focuses on the inability to locate or discover something.

it left no mark

Indicates that something disappeared without leaving any indication of its presence.

it ceased to exist

Highlights the termination of something's existence.

FAQs

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

You can use "there is not a trace" to emphasize the complete absence of something. For example, "After the storm, "there is not a trace" of the old building."

What are some alternatives to "there is not a trace"?

Some alternatives to "there is not a trace" include "no sign remains", "completely vanished", or "nothing is left". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "there isn't a trace" or "there is not a trace"?

"There is not a trace" is slightly more formal than "there isn't a trace". Both are grammatically correct, but the contracted form "isn't" is more common in informal speech and writing.

Can "there is not a trace" be used figuratively?

Yes, "there is not a trace" can be used figuratively to describe the absence of something intangible. For example, "There is not a trace of anger in her voice."