trail of communication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trail of communication" is correct and can be used in written English.
Generally speaking, it refers to a path or record of communication between two or more people, either through email, text messages, phone calls, etc. For example, "We had to follow the trail of communication in order to figure out who was responsible for the mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

From there we might find the trail of communication, the co-opting and planning and execution.

The New York Times - Arts

Paper reporting was believed useful to have a record or "trail" of communication with the local Department of Health and for the purpose of having patients' events recorded with their medical history.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Because he cannot use email, there is no paper trail of his communication and investigators must rely solely on eyewitnesses.

Huffington Post

Until the railroad was built across southern Mato Grosso in 1914, the only means of communication except by overland trails was by way of the Paraguay and Paraná rivers, 2,000 miles (3,000 km) eastward to the Atlantic Ocean.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The U.S. marines have the ability to interdict all Taliban lines of communication out of Kandahar -- roads, trails, whatever".

The New York Times

This twisting behavior is believed to be used as a form of communication, frequently indicating a junction in a trail.

Wikipedia

Human-related habitat destruction includes the construction of communication towers, acquisition of timber, and expansion of roads and trails.

Wikipedia

The lack of communication?

The New York Times

"A conduit of communication.

The New York Times

Opening lines of communication.

The New York Times - Magazine

Maintaining lines of communication.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When investigating a process or incident, use “trail of communication” to refer to documented exchanges that help reconstruct events and identify responsible parties.

Common error

Avoid using “trail of communication” when describing undocumented or informal conversations. This phrase implies a documented history of exchanges, not casual dialogue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trail of communication" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a sequence or history of communicative exchanges. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trail of communication" refers to the documented pathway of interactions and information exchange between parties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing. While relatively rare, its usage is concentrated in news, scientific, and informational contexts, where it serves to trace and understand the sequence of communications surrounding an event or decision. When using the phrase, ensure that there is indeed a documented history of communication, distinguishing it from informal or undocumented exchanges. Alternatives such as "avenue of communication" or "record of correspondence" may be appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avenue of communication

This alternative suggests a channel or method through which communication occurs, emphasizing the means rather than the record.

pathway of communication

Similar to 'avenue', this highlights the route or channel that communication follows.

tracking of communication

This alternative focuses on the act of monitoring and recording communication events, emphasizing surveillance or analysis.

evidence of communication

This suggests tangible proof that communication took place, often in a legal or investigative context.

route of communication

This alternative emphasizes the specific path or method used for communication, useful in logistical or technical contexts.

loop of communication

This phrase indicates a cyclical exchange of information, often involving feedback or repeated interaction.

road of communication

Similar to 'avenue' and 'pathway', this emphasizes the established or conventional route that communication takes.

trial of communication

This highlights the testing or experimental nature of a communication process, often in the context of new methods or technologies.

course of communication

This suggests a progression or series of communicative events, often over a defined period.

record of correspondence

This emphasizes the documentation of written communications, focusing on letters or emails.

FAQs

How can I use "trail of communication" in a sentence?

You can use "trail of communication" to describe the documented history of exchanges related to a specific event or decision, like: "The investigation followed the "trail of communication" to determine who authorized the transaction".

What's a good alternative to "trail of communication"?

Alternatives include "record of correspondence", "avenue of communication", or "pathway of communication", depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

Is "trail of communication" formal or informal?

"Trail of communication" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for professional, investigative, or academic contexts. It's less appropriate for casual conversation.

What does "trail of communication" imply?

"Trail of communication" suggests a sequence of documented exchanges, often implying an effort to trace or reconstruct events through available records. It highlights the existence of a traceable history of communication.