trace back to the source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trace back to the source" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the origin or root of something, such as information, ideas, or events. Example: "To understand the issue better, we need to trace back to the source of the misinformation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The reports about these errors are often obscure and hard to trace back to the source of the inconsistency.

Journal of Symbolic Computation

It should be noted here that DFM is able to trace back to the source of the traffic one step behind the ingress interface of the edge router.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Intruder identification is, thus, triggered when the ad hoc network is aware of an attack so as to trace back to the source of the attack.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It is a traceback system, which could work with the aforementioned systems to trace back to the source of the traffic that network managers or security engineers are interested in.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

We had to trace back to the source in order to find the truth.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Like bitcoins, stolen cash is difficult to recover, and a cash transaction can't readily be traced back to the source.

The New Yorker

Among the safety procedures the plant follows is to buy meat only from slaughterhouses that pass its pathogen tests and that label meat so that any problems can be traced back to the source.

The New York Times

The agreement, which is legally binding, defines what constitutes legal timber in the producer country and sets up a system to verify compliance and ensure that timber for export can be traced back to the source.

BBC

On every package of meat, the USDA places a code that can be traced back to the source of the product.

Huffington Post

"It really now makes it imperative that no sign of scandal be traced back to the source of that large contribution," said Henry Brady, head of the Public Policy School at the University of California, Berkeley.

Huffington Post

Deidentification of records was done before data analysis to ensure that all data collected on a woman, provider or facility could not be traced back to the source.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trace back to the source", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being traced. Providing specific details will enhance clarity and prevent ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "trace back to the source" in overly complex sentences where it can become buried. Simpler sentence structures often make the phrase more impactful and easier to understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trace back to the source" primarily functions as a phrasal verb indicating an action of investigation or retracing steps to identify the origin or cause of something. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used in diverse contexts, from identifying inconsistencies in reports to tracing traffic in network security.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trace back to the source" is a phrasal verb used to describe the process of finding the origin or cause of something, commonly applied in both scientific and news contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage and identifies its frequency as 'common'. While grammatically sound, it benefits from clear contextual details. Related phrases include "identify the origin" and "determine the root cause". When writing, ensure clarity and avoid complex sentence structures to maximize impact. Its communicative purpose emphasizes the importance of understanding origins, maintaining a register that leans toward professional, fitting investigative or analytical discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

track down the source

Replaces "trace" with "track down", which is a more active and direct way of expressing the same concept.

determine the root cause

Highlights finding the fundamental reason behind an issue, emphasizing causation over tracking.

identify the origin

Focuses on pinpointing the beginning or cause, simplifying the tracing aspect.

ascertain the provenance

Emphasizes establishing the history and origin, particularly of objects or ideas, using more formal language.

find the starting point

Simple and direct, focusing on locating where something commenced.

follow the trail to its origin

Uses the metaphor of following a trail, emphasizing the investigative aspect of tracing back.

investigate the beginning

Suggests a more formal or structured examination to discover the origin.

retrace one's steps

Implies going back through a series of actions to find a starting point, often in a literal sense.

uncover the foundation

Emphasizes discovering the underlying basis or support of something.

go back to the genesis

Uses a more evocative term, "genesis", to denote the origin, adding a layer of significance.

FAQs

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

You can use "trace back to the source" to describe finding the origin of something, like "We need to "trace back to the source" of the error to fix it".

What's a simpler way to say "trace back to the source"?

Alternatives include "identify the origin" or "determine the root cause", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "trace back to the source" in writing?

It's appropriate when you need to emphasize the act of investigating or tracking something to its point of origin. It is also very formal, so you may need to consider your target audience.

What's the difference between "trace back to the source" and "identify the cause"?

"Trace back to the source" implies a process of discovery, while "identify the cause" simply means finding the reason something happened. The former suggests a more in-depth investigation.