trace of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trace of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a small amount or sign of something that is usually not easily noticeable. Example: "There was a trace of sadness in her voice as she spoke about her childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No trace of them.

The New Yorker

Not a trace of mud.

Independent

A trace of cushion.

The Guardian - Film

No trace of stability.

The Guardian

What trace of us will remain?

The New Yorker

There was a trace of woodworm damage.

The New Yorker

No trace of either work survives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And no trace of any slippers.

The New Yorker

I found no trace of Wyman.

The New Yorker

But any trace of Amanda Knox?

The New York Times

A trace of mineral smoke rises.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trace of" to subtly indicate the presence of something intangible, such as "a trace of sadness" or "a trace of irony".

Common error

Avoid overuse in formal or scientific writing where more precise language might be required. For example, instead of "a trace of metal", specify the exact quantity or compound if known.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trace of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun to indicate a minimal amount or subtle indication of something. It commonly expresses the presence, albeit slight, of a quality, substance, or characteristic. As Ludwig highlights, its use is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trace of" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to indicate a small amount or subtle sign of something. Ludwig's analysis shows that it is most frequently used in News & Media contexts, though its usage extends to Science and other domains. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and use more precise language in formal settings when appropriate. Based on Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered valid and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of

Indicates a subtle or indirect suggestion of something, implying less direct evidence.

sign of

Refers to something that indicates the presence or existence of something else, generally more noticeable than a "trace".

vestige of

Implies a remnant or surviving evidence of something that no longer exists in its original form.

evidence of

Indicates proof or facts that show something exists or is true, suggesting a more substantial indication.

mark of

Suggests a distinctive feature or characteristic that indicates origin, quality, or identity.

remnant of

Refers to a small remaining quantity of something.

indication of

Suggests something that points to or shows the existence of something else, often as a clue.

element of

Suggests a component or part of something.

shadow of

Emphasizes a faint or weakened presence.

impression of

Implies a feeling or idea retained from an experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "trace of" to indicate a small amount or sign of something. For instance, "There was a trace of perfume in the air" or "He detected a trace of doubt in her voice".

What's a good substitute for "trace of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "hint of", "sign of", or "vestige of". Each implies a slightly different nuance regarding the amount and persistence of what's being indicated.

Is it better to say "trace of" or "evidence of"?

"Trace of" suggests a minimal or subtle indication, while "evidence of" implies a more substantial or conclusive indication. The choice depends on the degree to which something is apparent or provable.

Can "trace of" be used with both physical and abstract concepts?

Yes, "trace of" can be used with both physical (e.g., "a trace of dust") and abstract concepts (e.g., "a trace of bitterness"). It's versatile in denoting a minimal presence in either domain.