vanishes without a trace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vanishes without a trace" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express something that has disappeared without any evidence or signs of its existence or whereabouts. For example: The thief stole the painting from the gallery and vanished without a trace.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A second rocket, this time with a cat on board, vanishes without a trace.

The Guardian

It is every parent's nightmare: a normally reliable child sets off on a journey, then vanishes without a trace.

The New York Times

Talking Point: The idea of a midseason trade period crops up every season, and each time it vanishes without a trace.

The Guardian - Sport

So for them, the disappearance of the well-known adventurer Steve Fossett has created an unusual predicament: when a person vanishes without a trace, when, if ever, should a news organization publish an obituary?

The New York Times

But this impression vanishes without a trace once Russell's idiosyncratic use of "appearance" is understood.

SEP

Every time you post a new status update or share new content on the service, your previous post vanishes without a trace.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The mother of Lauren Spierer, an Indiana college student who vanished without a trace more than a year ago, told the person responsible in an open letter released Thursday that, "I hope with every breath you take, you remember Lauren".

Huffington Post

Only he's vanished without a trace.

The New Yorker

Violators Will Vanish Without a Trace".

The New Yorker

He would vanish without a trace.

The New Yorker

The student then seemingly vanishing without a trace.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vanishes without a trace" to emphasize the complete and mysterious disappearance of something or someone, leaving no clues behind.

Common error

Avoid using "vanishes without a trace" for everyday situations where something is simply misplaced or forgotten. This phrase carries a strong sense of mystery and should be reserved for more significant disappearances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vanishes without a trace" functions as an idiomatic expression to describe a complete and mysterious disappearance. Ludwig examples show its usage in news reports, fiction, and even scientific discussions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vanishes without a trace" is a common idiom used to describe something or someone that disappears completely, leaving no evidence behind. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, mostly in News & Media and Science, it emphasizes a complete and mysterious disappearance. When using this phrase, it's important to reserve it for significant disappearances to maintain its impact and avoid overuse in mundane contexts. Alternatives include "leaves without a trace" or "disappears completely".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappears without a trace

A synonym to the query, emphasizes the act of disappearing.

has disappeared without a trace

Past perfect tense, indicating a completed action of disappearing without a trace.

leaves without a trace

Focuses more on the action of leaving, emphasizing the lack of evidence left behind.

passes without a trace

Emphasizes the lack of impact or lasting effect, suggesting something went unnoticed.

fades without a trace

Highlights the gradual disappearance, suggesting a slow decline into oblivion.

goes without a trace

A more general term for disappearing, suitable for various contexts.

will be gone without a trace

Expresses a future event where something will disappear completely.

is gone without a trace

Describes a current state where something has already disappeared completely.

dissolves into thin air

Uses a more figurative and vivid image to describe the disappearance.

evaporates without a trace

Implies a sudden and complete disappearance, similar to water turning into vapor.

FAQs

How can I use "vanishes without a trace" in a sentence?

You can use "vanishes without a trace" to describe a disappearance that is complete and leaves no clues. For example, "The suspect "disappears without a trace" after the robbery."

What are some alternatives to "vanishes without a trace"?

Alternatives include "leaves no clue", "disappears completely", or "fades into oblivion", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "vanishes without a trace" in formal writing?

Yes, "vanishes without a trace" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing mysterious or unexplained disappearances. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and context.

What is the difference between "vanishes without a trace" and "goes missing"?

"Goes missing" simply means someone is not where they should be, while "vanishes without a trace" implies a complete absence of evidence or clues about their whereabouts. The latter suggests a more mysterious or inexplicable disappearance.