trails

USAGE SUMMARY

'trails' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as a noun with the meaning of paths or tracks made by people or animals. For example, "The hiker followed the faint trails in the wood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The party's attempts to broaden its appeal comes as it trails far behind the major parties in the polls on just a few per cent of the vote.

The Guardian

Then try doing it in the dark on a five-mile head torch race along some of Cumbria's prettiest forest trails – not that you'll be able to see much of it, of course.

The Guardian - Travel

The Germans had picked up where they left off against England, their slick exchanges sweeping downfield as Argentinian players gasped in their vapour trails.

The Guardian - Sport

For me, marriage was for life …" He trails off, then: "The healing process has been a long one".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These fragments of rock that have tumbled from the sky often seem like the only solid element in the earthly narratives they leave like twisting trails of light in their wake.

The Guardian - Arts

Bariloche, on the banks of the immense Nahuel Huapi lake, is a major town, and a base for trekking and mountain biking; Apurabici rents bikes for £15 a day and organises half-day guided rides along mountain trails for £50pp.

The Guardian - Travel

Matt Turner, editor of hotel design and architecture magazine Sleeper (sleepermagazine.co.uk) There are many things to see and do in the lesser known parts of Austria, beyond the ski slopes and hiking trails.

The Guardian - Travel

"We did it by laying trails of peanuts to coax them to move out to new setts.

The Guardian

We hiked up wild elephant trails, followed bear tracks, explored lakeside caves and ate fish caught beside the bamboo rafthouses we would sleep in.

The Guardian - Travel

That maybe true, but this after all is motorsport – a world that perpetually trails so far behind the zeitgeist, it should by rights have been swept up by the broom wagon decades ago.

The Guardian - Sport

The region is criss-crossed by walking and cycling trails and dotted with little spa towns where you can soak away aches in thermal pools fed by hot springs.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing outdoor activities, use "trails" to evoke a sense of exploration and connection with nature. For instance, "The park features numerous hiking trails for all skill levels."

Common error

Avoid using "trials" when you mean "trails". "Trails" refer to paths or routes, while "trials" refer to tests or legal proceedings. For example, use "hiking trails" instead of "hiking trials".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "trails" is as a noun, typically in its plural form, referring to paths or routes, often in natural settings. As Ludwig AI states, it also functions as the third-person singular form of the verb "trail".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Travel

30%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "trails" is a versatile term, functioning primarily as a noun to denote paths or routes and also as the third-person singular form of the verb "trail". As per Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Travel writing, "trails" evokes exploration and connection with nature when describing outdoor activities. A key point to remember is to differentiate "trails" from "trials" to avoid confusion. Common alternatives include "hiking paths", "walking routes", and "mountain tracks". Overall, "trails" is a reliable and widely understood term for paths and routes, suitable for both general and specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hiking paths

Focuses specifically on paths intended for walking in nature.

walking routes

Emphasizes the planned or designated nature of the paths.

mountain tracks

Highlights paths found in mountainous regions.

nature paths

Specifically designates routes within natural environments.

scenic routes

Emphasizes the visual appeal of the paths.

tracks

A more general term for paths, applicable in various contexts.

footpaths

Specifically paths designed for pedestrians.

designated routes

Focuses on the official or planned aspect of the paths.

traces

Indicates signs or remnants left behind, suggesting a path.

drag behind

Refers to following or lagging behind someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use "trails" in a sentence?

You can use "trails" to refer to paths or routes, as in "The forest is crisscrossed with walking trails". Or, it can be used as the third-person singular form of the verb "trail", meaning to follow behind, as in "He trails behind the group".

What are some alternatives to using "trails" when referring to paths?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "hiking paths", "walking routes", or "mountain tracks".

Is there a difference between "trails" and "paths"?

While both terms refer to routes or ways to travel, "trails" often suggest a more natural or less developed route, such as those found in forests or mountains, whereas "paths" can refer to any route, including paved walkways.

When should I use "trails" versus "trials"?

"Trails" refers to paths or routes for walking or hiking, while "trials" refers to legal proceedings or tests. Be sure to use the correct spelling based on your intended meaning; for example, "The hiking trails were well-marked", versus "The suspect faces multiple trials".