tracing down

USAGE SUMMARY

"tracing down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of following a logical process or trail of steps to investigate a certain topic further. For example, "We need more information on this topic, so I am going to start tracing down the necessary evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"We should be anticipating these kinds of epidemics and we should be out tracing down their origins so we can prevent future ones," Dr. Fish said.

The New York Times

Application of Timoshenko's model instead of Euler Bernoulli's model for description of flexural vibrations enabled reduction of relative deviation of resonant frequencies calculated using ANSYS® from the value specified during resonant curves tracing down to negligible value (0.17%).

Ultrasonics

I remember being very proud of Friends Reunited as, before its creation, I could see many messages on various messageboards asking for help tracing down long-lost friends – it was quite unlikely that sought-for friends would ever see these messages.

The Guardian - Tech

Because there's no central database that lists all the applicable forms that SMBs will need to operate, most waste way too much time dealing with government agencies and tracing down the right permits.

TechCrunch

The first is via our mutual great grandfather, Abraham Zwillinger, who was born circa 1754 and tracing down from whom, Pope Benedict XVI and I are fifth cousins, once removed.

Huffington Post

Yesterday I thought about a guy I know v-e-r-y slowly undoing the zip of my dress, and focused on how his fingers would feel tracing down my spine, and beyond, while he whispered dirt and love in my ear.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

This paper aims to trace down the origins of radical inventions.

Research Policy

δ34S of water soluble sulfate allowed the progress of the remediation to be traced down the soil profile.

Chemical Geology

I'll present a statistical model in which each word's history is traced down a phylogeny.

University of California, Berkeley

This observed pillaring of the graphene layers to a distinct distance was traced down to a consolidation reaction within the first polarization of the electrode material.

Electrochimica Acta

This chapter traces down the roots of the first man-made objects which resemble what are nowadays known as tensegrity structures.

Advances in Applied Mechanics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tracing down" when you want to emphasize a process of discovery or investigation that involves following a path or series of steps to find something's origin or source. This is particularly useful in scientific or investigative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "tracing down" in very casual conversations; simpler alternatives like "finding" or "locating" might be more appropriate. "Tracing down" has a more formal and investigative tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tracing down" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating an action of discovering or investigating something by following a path or series of steps. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tracing down" is a grammatically correct phrasal verb that describes a methodical process of discovering the origins or sources of something. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. Consider simpler alternatives like "tracking down" or "investigating" for casual conversations. When using "tracing down", emphasize the investigative nature of the action, highlighting the steps taken to find the source.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tracking down

Focuses more on the act of actively searching and locating something, often after some effort.

determining the origin

Specifically focuses on finding the starting point or cause of something.

identifying

Emphasizes the discovery and recognition of something specific after investigation.

following the trail

Emphasizes the act of pursuing a path or clue to find something.

locating

Highlights the act of finding the exact position or place of something.

uncovering

Implies revealing something previously hidden or unknown.

investigating

Stresses a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, allegation, etc. so as to establish the truth.

ascertaining

Focuses on finding something out for certain; making sure of something.

probing

Suggests a thorough and careful exploration or examination of something.

delving into

Implies a deep and thorough investigation or exploration of a subject.

FAQs

What does "tracing down" mean?

"Tracing down" refers to the act of discovering the origin or source of something by following a path or a series of clues. It often implies a deliberate and systematic investigation.

How can I use "tracing down" in a sentence?

You can use "tracing down" in sentences like: "The detectives are "tracking down" the source of the leak" or "Scientists are "investigating" the origins of the virus by "tracing down" its genetic code".

What are some alternatives to "tracing down"?

Alternatives to "tracing down" include "tracking down", "investigating", "locating", or "identifying". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "tracing down" a formal or informal phrase?

"Tracing down" leans toward the formal side. While understandable in most contexts, simpler terms might be preferable in very casual settings. It's suitable for professional, scientific, and news contexts.