leave a trail behind vs leave a trace

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Leave a trail behind' implies leaving a visible or physical path behind, while 'leave a trace' is more commonly used to indicate leaving a small amount or sign of something behind.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 2900 views

leave a trail behind

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate leaving a visible or physical path behind.

This phrase is used when someone or something leaves a clear path or evidence of their presence behind them.

Examples:

The hikers left a trail behind as they made their way through the forest.
The criminal left a trail behind that the detectives followed to catch him.
The artist left a trail behind of their creative process for others to see.

Show examples from the web [+]

However, in so doing, we naturally leave a data trail behind us.
No, and when she does, she usually leaves a trail of bodies behind.
Two kids, lost in the forest, leave behind a trail of bread crumbs.
These attacks leave behind a trail of suffering, misery, and hurt in their wake.
After it explodes, the star goes dark and leaves behind a trail of gas and dust where it once shone bright.
If these people, these shepherds, Are trying to keep something so important hidden, Then why leave a trail of clues behind
I know you don't want bagged blood, but we can't leave a trail of bodies behind -
It doesn't leave any trail behind.
While the real murderer gets blood on top of his shoe and leaves little or no trail behind.
Leave your trail of blood behind you.
All we would see is the trail they leave behind... wind, storm, earthquake.
No, I'm not showing you any images, because black holes don't leave behind helpful trails of ink, and space is not painted, showing you the curves.
I will leave a trail of famine and devastation behind me.
Maybe Lila left a trail behind.
I will leave a trail of famine and devastation behind me.
They drag themselves through the snow, leaving a trail behind them, which if I may say so, makes them easy to track.
It is a journey that will take him across the Greek world and beyond and leave a trail of real evidence that sheds new light on the truth behind the myth.
I mean, they feed for pleasure, but not in this case, not if imeans leaving a trail behind.
They could not go without leave a trail.
But horse might leave a trail.

Alternatives:

leave a path behind
leave a visible trail
leave a clear path
leave a physical trail

leave a trace

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate leaving a small amount or sign of something behind.

This phrase is used when referring to leaving a small indication or sign of something, rather than a visible path.

Examples:

The cat left a trace of its paw prints on the freshly cleaned floor.
The suspect left no trace of their presence at the crime scene.
The perfume left a trace of its scent in the room.

Show examples from the web [+]

This guy didn't leave a trace.
And 10 hours later, wouldn't leave a trace.
Radiation can also leave a trace in you.
Nothing that could leave a trace, okay?
He didn't leave a trace of anything.
Two different cases, two sets of professional investigators, and this woman didn't leave a trace.
And you'll leave a trace in life.
He's being very careful, trying not to leave a trace.
Everyone who disappeared, they didn't leave a trace.
It wouldn't leave a trace in her lungs because it's traveling through normal plumbing.
Because every contact you make, no matter how small, will leave a trace.
Or maybe because I am a forensic scientist, and I could boil you from the inside out and never leave a trace.
But before that, they make them leave a trace, so we can't forget them.
I guess it's just second nature not to leave a trace.
All I can confirm is what did leave a trace.
I guess it's just second nature not to leave a trace.
It's so much neater and it won't leave a trace.
Or is it better to leave a trace of them?
Even though you didn't leave a trace I'll have to arrest you today
Or is it better to leave a trace of them?

Alternatives:

leave a mark
leave a sign
leave an indication
leave a hint

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leave a trail behind vs leave a trace