trace across

USAGE SUMMARY

'trace across' is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of making a physical mark across a surface or area - for example: She traced a line across the page with a pencil.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"If you want to trace across multiple dimensions the legacies of inequality, Chicago is a microcosm of all the things that are bearing down on cities," Sampson said.

The New Yorker

The dancers cross the stage, usually in pairs, and though sometimes they stay more or less on the spot in prolonged quartets, a large part of the work's witty spell lies in the paths they trace across the stage.

The New York Times - Arts

After a day spent with Hieronymus Bosch, I can tell you with some confidence which creature to trace across the oil-on-oak panels and pen-and-ink drawings now gathered for a unique celebration of his work in his home city of 's-Hertogenbosch, in Brabant in the southern Netherlands.

Independent

The combination of this result with the molecular data indicates that the three finches co-occurred in Tenerife for around 1 My (mean value of the sampled trace across the chain).

Plosone

We could trace across these gaps using a combination of local and global cues.

eLife

The reader used a straight-line trace across the opening of the renal sinus from the dimples in the two adjacent lobes based on visual inspection.

BMC Nephrology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

When the lines are closer together, the 3D shape of the terrain is steep, and changes quickly (TRACE PERPENDICULAR ACROSS THE LINES).

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

When the lines are farther apart, the shape of the terrain is shallow, and changes slowly (TRACE PERPENDICULAR ACROSS THE LINES).

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

When the lines are closer together, the elevation is changing quickly, meaning the region has a steep slope (TRACE PERPENDICULAR ACROSS THE LINES).

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

When the lines are farther apart, the elevation is changing slowly, meaning the region has a shallow slope (TRACE PERPENDICULAR ACROSS THE LINES).

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

After a snowstorm, a number of patterns are traced across the gradually clearing surfaces.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing movement or processes that extend over a geographical area or a defined space, consider using "trace across" to emphasize a path or trajectory. For example, "Researchers can "trace across" migration patterns using satellite data."

Common error

Avoid using "trace across" when you simply mean to move or exist within an area without following a specific path. For instance, instead of "The company's influence "traces across" the market", consider "The company's influence is felt throughout the market".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trace across" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe the action of following a path, marking a route, or observing a progression over a surface or area. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trace across" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of following, observing, or documenting a path or progression over an area. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, it maintains a neutral register. While not exceptionally common, understanding its specific usage—describing a trajectory or observed movement—can enhance precision in both writing and speech. Alternatives like "monitor across" or "follow across" may be suitable substitutes depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monitor across

This alternative focuses on the action of observing something over a specific area.

follow across

This emphasizes the act of tracking something as it moves or extends over a distance.

track across

This suggests a more detailed observation of movement or presence across a region.

extend across

This refers to something stretching or spreading over an area.

span across

This implies that something covers or connects two points or areas.

traverse through

This suggests the action of passing or traveling through an area.

move through

This refers to the general act of progression from one point to another.

pass through

This suggests a brief or temporary movement across or within an area.

scan over

This refers to the action of carefully examining an area or surface.

go across

This is a more general way of saying to move from one side to the other.

FAQs

How can I use "trace across" in a sentence?

You can use "trace across" to describe following a path or trajectory over a surface or area. For example: "We could "trace across" these gaps using a combination of local and global cues.".

What are some alternatives to using "trace across"?

Alternatives to "trace across" include "monitor across", "follow across", or "track across", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "tracing across" instead of "trace across"?

Yes, "tracing across" is the present participle form of the verb phrase "trace across". It is suitable for continuous tenses, such as "The sun is deftly "tracing across" their bodies".

What's the difference between "trace across" and "trace along"?

"Trace across" implies movement or observation over a surface or area, while "trace along" suggests following a line or edge. For example, you might "trace across" a map, but "trace along" a border.