track down

USAGE SUMMARY

"track down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to find or search for something or someone. Example sentence: We need to track down the source of the leakage in the pipeline.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Must track down son".

The New York Times

Maybe we can track down them all.

The New York Times

We try to track down its source.

Independent

Track down an adviser and topic.

Princeton University

Gary North was nearly impossible to track down.

The New York Times

Erin Scala tries to track down the particulars.

The New York Times

Sprewell is notoriously impossible to track down.

The New York Times - Sports

Will they track down this shadowy figure?

The New York Times - Books

Take this track down side of hill.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then we tried to track down James.

The New Yorker

To track down some Qashqai nomads.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "track down" when you want to emphasize the effort or difficulty involved in finding something or someone. It suggests a determined search that may require persistence.

Common error

Avoid using "track down" when the act of finding something is straightforward or easy. Reserve it for situations where a significant search or investigation is required. For example, saying "I need to track down my keys" when they are in plain sight is an overstatement; simply saying "I need to find my keys" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "track down" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, combining the verb "track" with the particle "down". It signifies the action of finding someone or something after a persistent search or investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "track down" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of finding someone or something after a diligent search, often implying effort and persistence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable in diverse contexts, from news reporting to academic writing. While synonyms like "locate" or "find" exist, "track down" emphasizes the investigative aspect of the search. It's commonly found in News & Media, Academia and Wiki. When you want to convey a determined search, "track down" is an apt choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hunt down

This alternative implies a more aggressive and determined search, often for something elusive or dangerous.

Locate

This alternative is more formal and direct, lacking the sense of effort or persistence implied by "track down".

Run to earth

This alternative is an idiom that implies pursuing something until it is found, often after a long search.

Find

This alternative is a more general term for discovering something, without necessarily implying a search.

Pinpoint

This alternative emphasizes finding something with great precision or accuracy.

Search for

This alternative emphasizes the act of searching, but does not guarantee finding.

Uncover

This alternative suggests revealing something that was previously hidden or unknown.

Discover

This alternative focuses on the moment of finding, often unexpectedly, rather than the process of searching.

Detect

This alternative implies the use of senses or technology to find something that is not easily apparent.

Ascertain

This alternative is a more formal and intellectual way of saying to find something out for certain.

FAQs

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

You can use "track down" to describe finding something after a difficult search, as in "The detective had to track down the suspect through a network of informants".

What's a more formal alternative to "track down"?

For a more formal tone, you could use alternatives such as "locate" or "ascertain", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "hunt down" instead of "track down"?

"Hunt down" implies a more aggressive and determined search, often for something elusive or dangerous. Use it when the search involves pursuing something relentlessly, unlike "track down", which simply suggests finding something after a search. Consider the subtle difference between "track down a witness" and "hunt down a criminal".

What is the difference between "track down" and "search for"?

"Search for" emphasizes the act of searching, but does not guarantee finding. "Track down" suggests that the search was successful in locating the desired object or person. You might "search for" a rare book, but you "track down" the book once you find it.