trace of oil

USAGE SUMMARY

"trace of oil" is correct and usable in written English.
Example: The mechanic inspected the engine and found a trace of oil leaking from the oil filter.

✓ Grammatically correct

Food

Skincare

Environment

Hair care

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Dark and luxuriant, it has no broth and only a trace of oil.

The New York Times - Food

The most common teen mistake is zealously removing every trace of oil, leaving skin parched and frantically pumping out more.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The air temperature was fifty degrees, the bay was calm and clear, and there was no trace of oil seepage or other pollution in the sparkling water.

The New Yorker

But the haphazard canals criss-crossing it were still full of thick, unctuous water with a rainbow film on top, and white paint on the birch tree trunks could not cover the black trace of oil, Greenpeace says.

The Guardian

Medium hair: If you see a trace of oil on the tissue, you have medium hair.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"The seminar is a unique experience for the non-engineers — something they wouldn't do otherwise," he said, traces of oil on his fingers.

Princeton University

The crew of a rescue helicopter spotted traces of oil around the tanker, but there were no signs of a large spill.

The New York Times

Lab workers use magnetic imaging technology, also employed in the medical industry, to look for traces of oil in the samples.

The New York Times

Later a powerboat manned by State Police found the remains of the plane, after first finding traces of oil in the water and smelling gasoline.

The New York Times

More than 30,000 people received hip or knee implants, made by an American subsidiary, on which traces of oil remained after manufacture.

The Economist

What you see is a great expanse of raw canvas into which faint traces of oil have seeped here and there, leaving only the vaguest hint of fronds, shoreline and glinting foam as the tide recedes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing environmental contamination, use "trace of oil" to indicate minimal but detectable pollution levels.

Common error

Avoid using "trace of oil" in highly technical engineering reports where precise measurements are required. Instead, provide quantitative data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trace of oil" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a minimal amount of oil that is detectable. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in describing environmental pollution, food preparation, and skincare.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trace of oil" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to indicate a very small amount of oil. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While relatively rare, the phrase appears in diverse contexts such as news reports, scientific articles, and general guides. The most common sources include The New York Times and The Guardian. When writing, be mindful of the context: use it to denote minimal presence, but opt for quantitative data in highly technical scenarios. Consider alternatives like "film of oil" or "residue of oil" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

residue of oil

Indicates oil remaining after a process.

film of oil

Describes a thin layer covering a surface.

hint of oil

Emphasizes the subtle presence of oil.

smear of oil

Focuses on the visual aspect of a thin layer of oil.

touch of oil

Highlights the slightness of the oil's presence.

speck of oil

Highlights a very small amount of oil.

slick of oil

Describes a smooth, often undesirable, layer of oil.

smattering of oil

Indicates a small, scattered amount of oil.

vestige of oil

Implies a remaining sign of oil from the past.

dash of oil

Suggests a small amount, often in a culinary context.

FAQs

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

You can use "trace of oil" to describe a minimal amount of oil present, such as: "The mechanic found a "trace of oil" leaking from the engine."

What are some alternatives to "trace of oil"?

Alternatives include "hint of oil", "film of oil", or "residue of oil", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "traces of oil" instead of "trace of oil"?

Yes, "traces of oil" is also correct. "Trace" implies a very small amount, while "traces" simply indicates multiple instances of that small amount.

What does "trace of oil" mean in a skincare context?

In skincare, ""trace of oil"" refers to the minimal amount of oil that might be left on the skin after cleansing, or the natural oil production of the skin.