trail of evidence

USAGE SUMMARY

"trail of evidence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to a series of clues that are used to uncover information or the truth about something. For example: "The detective was able to uncover the suspect's identity through a careful trail of evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The trail of evidence does not stop with bones.

The New York Times - Magazine

The trail of evidence has reached Mr. Blair himself.

The New York Times

But the Web's trail of evidence can also go cold.

The New York Times

Despite this long trail of evidence, leading economies refuse to address the problem at its source.

The Guardian - Opinion

are predicated on the idea that every murder leaves behind a trail of evidence, however faint.

The New Yorker

"These attacks were bold, even brazen, and they left behind a trail of evidence".

The New York Times

"You try to follow the digital trail, just like the gumshoe would follow the trail of evidence".

The New York Times - Tech

However, we can draw our own conclusions on the basis of a trail of evidence, circumstantial and otherwise.

The Guardian - Opinion

In her experience, if there is a clear trail of evidence to the supplier, prosecutors follow through with the case.

The Guardian

Soon there's one doughnut missing and a trail of evidence as obvious as the sheriff's guilty conscience.

The New York Times - Books

Indeed, a list of incoming and outgoing calls on an individual's cellphone can provide a robust trail of evidence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or investigative contexts, use "trail of evidence" to emphasize a step-by-step discovery process rather than a single piece of proof.

Common error

Avoid using "trail of evidence" when referring to a single, isolated piece of evidence. The phrase implies a sequence or interconnected set of clues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trail of evidence" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a sequence or path of clues or information leading to a conclusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trail of evidence" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a sequence of clues or information leading to a conclusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, its widespread usage, particularly in news and media, highlights its acceptability and clarity. Alternative phrases like "chain of evidence" or "series of clues" can offer nuanced variations, but "trail of evidence" remains a versatile and reliable choice for conveying a step-by-step investigative process. Remember to use "trail of evidence" only when referring to multiple pieces of interconnected evidence, and avoid it for single, isolated facts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chain of evidence

Emphasizes the interconnectedness and sequential nature of the evidence.

line of evidence

Suggests a more direct and linear path of evidence.

series of clues

Focuses on the individual clues that make up the larger picture.

body of proof

Highlights the collective strength and amount of evidence available.

succession of facts

Emphasizes the factual and sequential nature of the information.

sequence of indicators

Highlights the role of the evidence as indicators pointing to a conclusion.

pattern of data

Suggests that the evidence forms a recognizable pattern or trend.

accumulation of data

Highlights the gathering of data over time to make an assertion.

collection of signs

Points out the various clues and omens that compose the investigation.

stream of documentation

Stresses the documentary aspect and continuous flow of evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "trail of evidence" to describe a series of clues or pieces of information that lead to a conclusion, as in "The detective followed the "trail of evidence" to uncover the truth."

What's a good substitute for "trail of evidence"?

Alternatives include "chain of evidence", "line of evidence", or "series of clues", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "trail of evidence" more formal or informal?

"Trail of evidence" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news reporting, legal discussions, and investigative analyses.

What does "trail of evidence" typically refer to?

It typically refers to a set of interconnected clues or pieces of information that collectively point toward a particular conclusion or provide insight into a situation.