tracking down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tracking down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in the sense of trying to identify or locate a person or thing. For example, "The police are still tracking down the suspect in the robbery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Any ideas on tracking down Knox?

The New Yorker

Tracking down and prosecuting others.

The New York Times

The difficulty is tracking down the perpetrators.

The New York Times - Magazine

Who's tracking down the latest cybervandals?

The New York Times

That meant tracking down an endangered species.

The Guardian - Film

She spent weeks tracking down victims.

The Guardian

But tracking down this guy was hard.

MIT Technology Review

He became relentless in tracking down and acquiring photographs.

The New York Times

Going around all Ireland, tracking down the weeping statues".

The New Yorker

Also tells about police work tracking down criminals.

The New Yorker

Observing linguistic history by tracking down anachronisms on television.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to determine if a more precise synonym, like "locating" or "identifying", might be more appropriate.

Common error

While "tracking down" is widely understood, it can sound less professional in very formal or academic writing. In these situations, consider using more formal alternatives like "identifying", "ascertaining", or "locating" to maintain a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tracking down" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, highlighting its role in describing an ongoing action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tracking down" is a versatile and frequently used gerund phrase that describes the active process of searching for and locating something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples from reputable sources. While suitable for most contexts, it's important to consider the formality of the situation and choose more precise synonyms when appropriate. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media sources, indicating its broad appeal and understandability. It's a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit, allowing for a clear and concise way to convey the effort involved in a search.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hunting down

Implies a determined and persistent search, often for someone or something elusive.

locating

Focuses on the act of finding someone or something, often physically.

identifying

Emphasizes the recognition of someone or something, often from a set of possibilities.

pursuing

Focuses on following or chasing someone or something, often with the intention of catching them.

finding

A more general term for coming across someone or something, without necessarily implying a search.

unearthing

Suggests discovering something hidden or buried, often information or evidence.

ferreting out

Implies a diligent and persistent search, often for something concealed.

detecting

Focuses on noticing or discovering something, often something not easily apparent.

ascertaining

Highlights the process of establishing something with certainty, often through investigation.

pinpointing

Emphasizes locating something with precision and accuracy.

FAQs

How to use "tracking down" in a sentence?

"Tracking down" is used to describe the act of actively searching for and finding something or someone. For example, "The detective is "tracking down" the suspect" or "I spent the afternoon "tracking down" a rare book".

What can I say instead of "tracking down"?

You can use alternatives like "locating", "identifying", or "hunting down" depending on the context.

Is "tracking down" formal or informal?

"Tracking down" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. In highly formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "ascertaining" or "locating".

What's the difference between "tracking down" and "tracing"?

"Tracking down" implies a more active and potentially difficult search, while "tracing" often suggests following a path or trail. For example, you might "track down" a fugitive, but "trace" a phone call.