trace of grime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trace of grime" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of dirt or filth that is visible on a surface. Example: "After cleaning the kitchen, I noticed a trace of grime left on the countertop that I had missed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Every crack and trace of grime are thrown into relief.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Make sure no traces of grime remain on the asparagus before proceeding.

WikiHow

Together, they make a noise, bearing trace elements of grime, acid and dubstep, techno, space-rock and pop, that is pristine yet powerful, intricate yet insane, like garage punks playing Aphex Twin's Selected Ambient Works.

The Guardian - Music

The best of grime times.

The Guardian - Music

"People don't see the vulnerability of grime," he says.

Independent

Is she the queen of grime?

The Guardian - Music

The 1903 ceiling murals, depicting civic virtues, were newly free of decades' worth of grime.

The New York Times

Skepta began his career as part of grime group Meridian Crew.

The Guardian - Music

Are you the Derren Brown of grime rappers?

The Guardian

You're often credited as the godfather of grime.

The Guardian - Music

The Time of Grime iPad edition is out now.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing cleanliness, use "trace of grime" to subtly indicate that something isn't perfectly clean, rather than stating it directly. This can add nuance and realism to your writing.

Common error

While "trace of grime" is acceptable in most writing, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or technical documents where precise measurements or scientific terminology are more appropriate. Opt for more specific terms like "particulate matter" or "surface residue" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trace of grime" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a preposition (e.g., "a trace of grime") or a noun complement. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase serves to describe a minimal quantity of dirt or filth.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trace of grime" is a noun phrase used to describe a small quantity of dirt or filth. While grammatically correct and understandable, its usage frequency is rare. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is acceptable for general use. It is most commonly found in news articles and wiki-type contexts. When writing, consider the level of formality required; in highly technical contexts, more specific language may be appropriate. Using "trace of grime" adds a subtle indication of something not being entirely clean. Be mindful of overuse and explore related phrases to enhance your descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of dirt

Replaces "trace" with "hint", suggesting a slightly less noticeable amount.

smidgen of filth

Substitutes "trace" with "smidgen" and "grime" with "filth", implying a small quantity of something unpleasant.

speck of dirt

Uses "speck" to emphasize the small size of the dirt, and "dirt" instead of "grime".

vestige of dirt

Replaces "trace" with "vestige", indicating a remnant or remaining sign of dirt.

touch of soil

Replaces "grime" with "soil", suggesting a more natural or earthy kind of dirt.

residue of dirt

Uses "residue" to indicate what's left behind after cleaning or use.

smear of dirt

Focuses on the appearance of the grime as a spread or mark.

film of dirt

Emphasizes a thin layer covering a surface.

shadow of dirt

Suggests a faint or barely noticeable presence of dirt.

mark of grime

Highlights the grime as leaving a visible mark.

FAQs

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

You can use "trace of grime" to describe a slight amount of dirt or filth, for example: "After cleaning the counter, there was still a "trace of grime" near the edges."

What's a more formal way to say "trace of grime"?

In more formal contexts, consider using terms like "surface residue" or "minute deposit of dirt" instead of ""trace of grime"".

Is "trace of grime" a negative or positive description?

"Trace of grime" generally has a negative connotation, as it indicates the presence of unwanted dirt or filth. However, the degree of negativity depends on the context.

What words typically accompany "trace of grime"?

Words that often accompany ""trace of grime"" include "slight", "residual", "remaining", "noticeable", and verbs related to cleaning or observing, such as "detect", "find", or "remove".