trace

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "trace" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a small amount or hint of something, or to the act of following or looking for something. Example sentence: I could only trace a faint outline of the figure in the fog.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As swiftly as it came, it disappeared, leaving no trace.

The Guardian

Around 70% of hen harriers die of natural causes in their first year and of Murphy's 47 tracked birds, 37 disappeared without a trace.

The Guardian

The leak was so amateur (can this be Carmichael's first time?) it took only a few phone records to trace it, not the reported £1.4m.

The Guardian

I have enjoyed it beyond words and believe we have left a lasting monument to those writers who would dare to trace our footsteps.

The Guardian - Books

Additionally, said Tomori, technology such as mobile phones has made it much easier for the emergency operations centre to trace people at any particular time.

The Guardian

Fennell simply opened the doors leaving no trace of the intrusion and leaving victims unaware that they had been targeted.

The Guardian - Tech

And not a trace of kangaroo about him.

The Guardian

Hume and Mallon can trace their political lineage back to the founding father of peaceful constitutional nationalism, Daniel O'Connell, and on through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to Charles Stewart Parnell to John Redmond.

The Guardian

By then, locals say, as many as 30 young men had disappeared without a trace.

The Guardian

On page 81, Nencini grapples with the question of how Knox and Sollecito could have participated in the murder but left no more than a single, hotly disputed trace of themselves at the scene.

The Guardian - Opinion

In court filings obtained by the Guardian, investigators said "careful consideration" had been given to whether they should attempt to trace what remains of the £29m – equivalent to almost £60m today – Nadir is convicted of stealing.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trace", consider the context. It can refer to a small amount of something, like "a trace of nuts", or to the act of following something, like "trace the origins". Ensure your usage aligns with the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "trace" passively when an active voice would be clearer. For example, instead of "The origins were traced to...", use "Researchers traced the origins to...".

Linguistic Context

The word "trace" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a mark or sign left behind or a small quantity of something. As a verb, it signifies following a path or discovering origins. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing these varied functions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trace" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, commonly used to indicate a small amount, follow a path, or investigate something's origins. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media. When writing, ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning, and avoid passive constructions for clarity. Consider alternatives like "detect", "track down", or "find evidence of" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Therefore, "trace" is a highly applicable tool for clear communication across various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find evidence of

Specifically refers to discovering proof or indications of something.

detect

Focuses on discovering or identifying something, often subtle or hidden.

identify

Focuses on recognizing or establishing what something is.

track down

Implies a more active and persistent search to locate something.

investigate

Implies a systematic and formal inquiry into something.

follow

Suggests a direct path or sequence is being observed or pursued.

pinpoint

Suggests identifying something with great accuracy or precision.

uncover

Highlights the revealing of something previously unknown or concealed.

ascertain

Emphasizes the act of finding something out for certain.

reconstruct

Focuses on rebuilding or recreating something based on available information.

FAQs

How can I use "trace" in a sentence?

You can use "trace" to mean to follow the path or line of something, as in "to trace a route on a map". It can also mean to discover or find something by investigation, as in "to trace the source of a leak".

What can I say instead of "trace" when referring to a small amount?

When referring to a small amount, you can use alternatives like "hint of", "touch of", or "vestige of" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "trace" and "track"?

"Trace" often implies following a line or outline, or discovering something through investigation. "Track", on the other hand, usually refers to following the footprints or other signs left by a person or animal.

How to avoid common errors when using the verb "trace"?

Ensure the subject performing the action of tracing is clear and active. For instance, prefer "detectives traced the call" over "the call was traced" for clearer, more direct writing.