"left little trace" vs "left a small trace"

Question

"left little trace" vs "left a small trace"

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'Left little trace' implies that almost no trace was left behind, while 'left a small trace' suggests that a small amount of trace was left. The choice between them depends on the specific context and the degree of trace being referred to.

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that almost no trace was left behind by something or someone.

Examples:

The thief left little trace of his presence in the house.
The passing of time had left little trace on the ancient ruins.

Alternatives:

left almost no trace
left barely a trace
left hardly any trace
left minimal trace
left scant trace

This phrase is used to indicate that a small amount of trace was left behind by something or someone.

Examples:

The artist left a small trace of paint on the canvas.
The hiker left a small trace of footprints in the mud.

Alternatives:

left a slight trace
left a tiny trace
left a minuscule trace
left a faint trace
left a subtle trace

Answer 1

left little trace

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

left a small trace

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"left little trace" vs "left a small trace"

left little trace

left a small trace

Related Comparisons