traced with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "traced with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been marked or outlined with a particular substance or feature. Example: "The ancient map was beautifully traced with intricate designs that highlighted the routes of explorers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Silence seemed written into the wood of the bar, which both brothers traced with their eyes".

The New Yorker

Pointing to a grove, he traced with his finger the path the road would take.

The Guardian

Hitchens traced with style, and not a little indefatigability, various rare records and recordings.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The soap operatic relationships at the core of New Labour are traced with reasonable accuracy.

The Guardian - Books

Thin, ruddy, slightly translucent slices simply traced with olive oil are served as tapas.

The New York Times

At the end, two models appeared in black bodysuits traced with neon scribbles.

The New York Times

Her eyes, traced with black liner and lids dusted with powdery blues and gold, are focused.

The New York Times

His disaffection is traced with a beadiness that's at once comic and deeply painful.

Independent

Few immigrants from impoverished rural communities could be traced with dental records.

The New York Times

GOOD ATMOSPHERE Small, noisy, unprepossessing dining room with closely packed tables separated by arches traced with pin lights.

The New York Times

The intellectual development of the Muslim Brotherhood was traced with greater detail in David Remnick's "Going Nowhere," from 2004.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "traced with" to vividly describe visual features or patterns, such as "The map was traced with rivers and mountains".

Common error

Avoid using "traced with" for purely abstract or non-visual concepts. For example, instead of saying "His success was traced with hard work", consider "His success resulted from hard work".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "traced with" functions as a verb phrase with a preposition, often used to describe the act of outlining, marking, or embellishing something. As evidenced by Ludwig, it often adds a visual or descriptive element to the sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "traced with" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe something that is outlined, marked, or characterized by a specific feature. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in both news and scientific writing. The examples illustrate its use in conveying visual descriptions and emphasizing particular characteristics. While versatile, be mindful not to use it in purely abstract contexts where a more direct verb would be appropriate. Overall, "traced with" offers a vivid and descriptive way to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outlined with

Focuses on the act of creating an outline, similar to tracing.

marked by

Emphasizes a distinguishing feature or characteristic.

characterized by

Highlights a prominent attribute or quality.

defined by

Stresses the defining aspects of something.

adorned with

Implies decoration or embellishment.

edged with

Suggests a border or outline along the edge.

highlighted by

Emphasizes specific elements or features.

accentuated by

Focuses on enhancing certain aspects.

lined with

Describes something with lines or linear features.

covered in

Implies a surface completely enveloped by something.

FAQs

How can I use "traced with" in a sentence?

You can use "traced with" to describe something that has lines or markings, such as "The window was traced with frost", or to indicate a subtle addition, like "The dessert was traced with chocolate sauce".

What are some alternatives to "traced with"?

Alternatives include "outlined with", "marked by", or "characterized by", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "traced with" or "traced by"?

"Traced with" is generally used to indicate something is marked or outlined by something else. "Traced by" implies that something is followed or investigated, such as "The criminal was traced by the police".

What's the difference between "traced with" and "covered with"?

"Traced with" suggests delicate lines or markings, while "covered with" implies a more substantial layer or coating. For example, you might say "The paper was traced with pencil lines", but "The ground was covered with snow".