we have traced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have traced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of following or tracking something, often in a research or investigative context. Example: "In our study, we have traced the origins of the artifact back to the 18th century."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

We have traced BVI entities used in Russia by the man once known as the richest in Ireland, the property developer Seán Quinn.

The Guardian

Eschewing the role of literary detective, they rejected the notion that we "do not know what a poet means unless we have traced him in his reading".

The New York Times - Books

In addition, using the Fourier spectral method, we have traced the temporal evolution of the gravitational fingers numerically.

Chemical Engineering Science

To help clarify 'competition', we have traced the history, definitions, and ecological dynamics associated with the concept.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

Using five waves of the Community Innovation Survey in Sweden, we have traced the innovative behavior of firms over a ten-year period, i.e., between 2002 and 2012.

Research Policy

In this context, we have traced out the structural elements responsible of selective binding for the therapeutically relevant different HDAC isoforms.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

(We've traced Wolf ammo to the Taliban, but that's another story, too).

The New York Times

"We've traced the call.

BBC

Every single week there are flights from Iran and we've traced it and know this," he said.

Vice

"Keep in mind, George that what we've done is we've traced any funds that we know of that we think were connected to him.

Huffington Post

Anna (a former printmaker, lest we forget) has traced the Campbell's logo onto chiffon, which Tim likes.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we have traced", ensure that the subject being traced is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "we have traced the issue", specify "we have traced the origins of the issue".

Common error

Avoid using "we have traced" when a more direct, active voice would be clearer and more concise. For instance, instead of "the origins of the problem have been traced by us", use "we have traced the origins of the problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have traced" functions as a declarative statement within a sentence. Ludwig confirms it is used to indicate that the speakers or writers have followed a particular path or line of inquiry to discover something. This is seen across different examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

71%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we have traced" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it serves to communicate that a path or process has been followed to uncover information. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for professional and academic writing. While generally correct, overuse of the passive voice should be avoided for clearer communication. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is usable in written English to discuss following or tracking something in a research or investigative context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have tracked

Replaces "traced" with "tracked", emphasizing the act of following something's movement or progress.

we have followed

Substitutes "traced" with "followed", highlighting a path or sequence that has been observed.

we have investigated

Replaces "traced" with "investigated", emphasizing a systematic or formal examination to discover and examine the facts of (an incident, allegation, etc.) so as to establish the truth.

we have determined

Replaces "traced" with "determined", emphasizing the act of establishing something definitively as a result of inquiry or calculation.

we have identified

Replaces "traced" with "identified", focusing on recognizing or establishing something as being a particular thing.

we have uncovered

Replaces "traced" with "uncovered", highlighting the act of discovering something previously hidden or unknown.

we have mapped out

Replaces "traced" with "mapped out", focusing on creating a detailed plan or representation of something.

we have delineated

Substitutes "traced" with "delineated", which emphasizes describing or marking the outline of something precisely.

we have ascertained

Replaces "traced" with "ascertained", emphasizing finding something out for certain; making sure of.

we have pursued

Substitutes "traced" with "pursued", which highlights the action of following or trying to achieve something over a period of time.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we have traced" for different contexts?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "we have tracked" for following movement, "we have investigated" for formal inquiries, or "we have identified" for recognizing something specifically.

Is it appropriate to use "we have traced" in formal writing?

Yes, "we have traced" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic and scientific contexts where it's common to describe the process of following a path or development. Just ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

What's the difference between "we have traced" and "we have found"?

"We have traced" implies a process of following something back to its origin or along a path, while "we have found" simply indicates the discovery of something. For example, "we have traced the source of the error" suggests a process, whereas "we have found the error" indicates a discovery.

Can "we have traced" be used in a business context?

Yes, in a business context, "we have traced" can be used to describe tracking the progress of a project, the origin of a problem, or the flow of resources. For example, "we have traced the supply chain" or "we have traced the budget allocation".