Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
tracing upon
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "tracing upon" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or incorrect in many contexts.
It could be used in a poetic or metaphorical sense, perhaps to describe the act of following or outlining something, but it is not standard. Example: "The artist was tracing upon the canvas, capturing the essence of the landscape."
Science
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
(D ) MB extrinsic neurons as identified by PA-GFP tracing upon photoactivation of the right MB lobes.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Mr Batchelor argues that, even more than the much-documented Atlantic trade, it was interaction with Asia along the lines traced upon the Selden map that brought London into modernity.
News & Media
A lower moment plateau is traced upon unloading with similar localized bending and the erasure of the diamond deformation patterns.
PBSU exhibited two melting endotherms in the DSC traces upon heating to the melt, which was ascribed to the melting and recrystallization mechanism.
Science
Does the brain retrieve a single memory trace or multiple memory traces upon a cued signal?
Science
Based upon developmental studies and a broad comparison across Annelida, five ventral cords have been proposed as the ancestral pattern [ 15], yet this proposed character evolution was never traced upon a phylogenetic tree.
Science
Heat tracing relies upon the mathematical heat transport equation which is subject to certain assumptions that are often neglected.
Science
By meticulously tracing Aβ upon manipulation of autophagy by genetic or pharmacological means in vivo in AD mouse models that exhibit Aβ pathology, or in vitro in neuronal cells, it will be possible to identify proteins that are important for autophagy-mediated Aβ secretion.
Science
Perhaps the most useful approach is based upon tracing the sources of the main tissues in the apical region.
Encyclopedias
The pressure distribution is propagated down to the ground in order to obtain the sonic boom signature using a ray tracing algorithm based upon the Thomas waveform parameter method.
Upon tracing out the resonator, the stochastic term in the master equation becomes: begin{aligned} & operatorname {tr}_{C} bigl( mathcal{M}bigl[a_{mathrm{out}} e^{-iphi} bigr](rho) bigr),dW &quad = operatorname {tr}_{C} bigl( a_{mathrm{out}} e^{-iphi}rho+ rho a_{mathrm {out}}^{dagger} e^{iphi} - bigllangle a_{mathrm{out}} e^{-iphi} + a_{mathrm{out}}^{dagger} e^{iphi} bigrrangle rho bigr),dW.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Consider alternatives like "drawing on" or "based on" for clarity and conciseness, as "tracing upon" can sound unusual.
Common error
Avoid "tracing upon" in formal or academic writing. It's perceived as less precise than alternatives. Opt for more common phrases such as "based on" or "following".
Source & Trust
78%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "tracing upon" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of following or outlining something. As Ludwig AI indicates, the usage is not very common and may sound awkward.
Frequent in
Science
44%
News & Media
31%
Encyclopedias
13%
Less common in
Wiki
12%
Formal & Business
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "tracing upon" is grammatically acceptable but rarely used, as noted by Ludwig AI. While it can convey the idea of following or basing something on another element, it's often perceived as less precise. Alternatives like "drawing on" or "based on" offer greater clarity. Its neutral register and infrequent usage suggest considering context-specific substitutions for better communication. While found in various sources, the predominant contexts are science and news, reinforcing the need for careful consideration in formal writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
following the path of
More descriptive, focusing on the act of following a specific route.
drawing on
Implies using something as a basis or resource, differing from tracing which suggests following a line or path.
based on
Indicates foundation or origin, less focused on the action of following a path.
following along
Suggests moving in the same direction or sequence, not necessarily outlining.
outlining
Emphasizes creating a boundary or sketch, more specific than the general sense of tracing.
charting a course
Implies planning a route, more focused on navigation than simple tracing.
mapping out
Suggests a more detailed and comprehensive overview than simply tracing.
building upon
Indicates adding to an existing foundation, not just following a line.
deriving from
Highlights the source or origin, differing from the action of tracing a path.
modeling after
Implies creating a copy or imitation, a broader concept than simply tracing.
FAQs
What does "tracing upon" mean?
The phrase "tracing upon" generally means to follow or outline something, often in a literal or metaphorical sense. It suggests basing an action or idea on something else.
What are some alternatives to "tracing upon"?
You can use alternatives like "drawing on", "based on", or "following along" depending on the context.
How can I use "tracing upon" in a sentence?
While not common, you might use it like: "The research is tracing upon the earlier findings." However, a more typical phrasing would be: "The research is based on earlier findings."
Is "tracing upon" grammatically correct?
Yes, "tracing upon" is grammatically correct, but it's not a frequently used phrase. It might sound unusual in certain contexts. Consider using more common alternatives for improved clarity.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
78%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested