to trace the source of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to trace the source of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when trying to figure out the origin of something. For example: "The detective spent months trying to trace the source of the mysterious phone calls."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

However, F&N shelved the suggestion after geologists could not to trace the source of the spring water.

Wikipedia

Officials were still trying to trace the source of the attack.

The New York Times

And forensic analysis does allow experts to trace the source of a hack.

The New York Times

To trace the source of the infestation requires going back not three decades but a century.

The Washington Post

So far, the police have been unable to trace the source of the note.

The New York Times

The FSA are trying to trace the source of the eggs used in the product.

Independent

It is easy enough to trace the source of the discontent.

The New York Times - Sports

Dr. Gerberding expressed hope that the medical sleuths would be able to trace the source of infection quickly.

The New York Times

It's impossible to trace the source of such mischief as it hurtles about via E-mail and group mailing lists.

The New York Times

Officials cautioned that in a country awash in weaponry, it would be difficult if not impossible to trace the source of the explosives.

The New York Times

She got a small grant from the Fund for the City of New York to trace the source of the soot.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to trace the source of", ensure that the context clearly indicates what you are trying to find the origin of. Providing specific details will enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "to trace the source of" in overly abstract or philosophical contexts where the origin is inherently unknowable or speculative. Instead, reserve it for situations where empirical investigation is possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to trace the source of" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase. It indicates an action aimed at discovering the origin or cause of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

16%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to trace the source of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase that describes the act of investigating and discovering the origin or cause of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples show its prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and wiki sources. When writing, ensure that the context clearly defines what is being traced. While versatile, avoid overusing it in abstract discussions where empirical verification isn't possible. Considering alternatives like "to identify the origin of" or "to determine the cause of" can add nuance to your writing. Use "to trace" when you want to emphasize a more investigative effort in source-finding. Overall, it’s a valuable phrase for articulating investigative processes across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to identify the origin of

Focuses on pinpointing the exact beginning or starting point.

to determine the cause of

Emphasizes finding the reason or explanation behind something.

to ascertain the root of

Highlights discovering the fundamental basis or foundation.

to track down the origin of

Suggests a more active search or investigation to find the origin.

to investigate the beginnings of

Implies a formal or systematic examination of how something started.

to uncover the source of

Emphasizes revealing a hidden or unknown origin.

to pinpoint the origin of

Focuses on identifying the origin with precision.

to detect the source of

Highlights the act of discovering the source, often in a technical or investigative context.

to establish the provenance of

Refers to determining the history and origin, especially of an object or work of art.

to find out where it came from

Uses a more informal, conversational tone to express the desire to know the origin.

FAQs

How can I use "to trace the source of" in a sentence?

You can use "to trace the source of" to indicate an effort to find the origin or cause of something, as in, "Scientists are working "to trace the source of" the outbreak".

What are some alternatives to "to trace the source of"?

Alternatives include "to identify the origin of", "to determine the cause of", or "to ascertain the root of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "to trace the source of"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the process of investigation and discovery to find the origin of something, such as a problem, a leak, or an idea.

Is "to trace the source of" interchangeable with "to find the source of"?

While similar, "to trace the source of" implies a more thorough investigation or a process of following clues, whereas "to find the source of" simply means to locate the origin, without necessarily implying a complex search.