Which one is correct?
"someone's trail" or "someone's trace"?

Question

Which one is correct?
"someone's trail" or "someone's trace"?

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This phrase refers to the path or track left behind by a person. It can be used in a literal sense, such as following someone's trail in the woods, or in a figurative sense, like following someone's trail of success.

Examples:

The detective followed the suspect's trail through the forest.
Hikers often leave a trail of footprints behind them.
The artist left a trail of paint splatters across the canvas.
The entrepreneur's trail of innovative ideas led to great success.
The criminal left a trail of evidence at the crime scene.

Alternatives:

someone's path
someone's track
someone's footsteps
someone's route
someone's course

This phrase refers to a sign or indication of someone's presence or existence. It can be used to describe a faint mark or evidence left behind by someone.

Examples:

There was a trace of perfume in the room, indicating someone had been there.
The detective found a trace of blood on the floor.
The old house still bore traces of its former grandeur.
The archaeologists discovered traces of ancient civilization in the ruins.
The missing person left no trace of their whereabouts.

Alternatives:

someone's sign
someone's mark
someone's evidence
someone's hint
someone's clue

Both 'someone's trail' and 'someone's trace' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Someone's trail' refers to the path or track left behind by a person, while 'someone's trace' refers to a sign or indication of someone's presence or existence.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024