to track down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to track down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of locating or finding someone or something that is difficult to find. Example: "The detective worked tirelessly to track down the missing person."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We try to track down its source.

Independent

Gary North was nearly impossible to track down.

The New York Times

Erin Scala tries to track down the particulars.

The New York Times

Sprewell is notoriously impossible to track down.

The New York Times - Sports

To track down some Qashqai nomads.

The Guardian - Travel

He promised to track down the "terrorists".

The Guardian

Are these people that hard to track down?

The New York Times

He goes on the run to track down Judge Fulgence.

The Economist

And hospital doctors can be hard to track down quickly.

The New York Times - Health

Until recently, those boots were not easy to track down.

The New York Times

Since January, he had been hard to track down.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to track down" when you want to emphasize the effort and persistence involved in finding someone or something. For example, "The investigator had to track down several witnesses to solve the case."

Common error

Avoid using "to track down" in situations where finding something requires minimal effort. Saying "I need to track down my keys" when they are on the table is an overstatement; "find" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to track down" functions as a phrasal verb, acting as the main verb in a sentence. It signifies the action of finding someone or something after a dedicated search, often implying difficulty or persistence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

16%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to track down" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the action of finding someone or something after a dedicated search. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media, signaling its relevance in reporting investigative efforts. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context of a deliberate and often challenging search. Consider alternatives like "to locate" or "to hunt down" for nuances in meaning. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately use "to track down" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to locate

Focuses on finding something without necessarily implying a difficult search.

to find

A general term for discovering something, lacking the sense of a deliberate search.

to hunt down

Implies a more aggressive and determined search.

to trace

Suggests following a path or trail to discover something.

to detect

Emphasizes discovering something that is hidden or not easily noticed.

to pinpoint

Focuses on identifying the exact location of something.

to discover

Highlights the act of uncovering something previously unknown.

to unearth

Suggests digging up or revealing something that was buried or concealed.

to ferret out

Implies persistent investigation to uncover something hidden.

to run to earth

Figurative expression for finding after a chase.

FAQs

How can I use "to track down" in a sentence?

The phrase "to track down" is used to describe the act of finding someone or something after a determined search. Example: "The detective had to track down the suspect using minimal clues."

What's a good alternative to "to track down"?

Alternatives include "to locate", "to find", or "to hunt down" depending on the context and the intensity of the search.

Is it appropriate to use "to track down" in formal writing?

Yes, "to track down" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing investigative or research processes. However, consider alternatives like "to determine" or "to ascertain" for a more sophisticated tone.

What is the difference between "to track down" and "to find"?

"To find" is a general term for locating something. "To track down" implies a more involved process, often requiring effort and persistence. For example, you "find" your keys, but you might need to "track down" a rare book.