trace back vs trace back to

Both "trace back" and "trace back to" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Trace back" is used when referring to retracing steps or investigating something, while "trace back to" is used when referring to the origin or source of something.

Last updated: April 10, 2024 • 176 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"trace back"

This phrase is used when referring to retracing steps or investigating something to find a cause or origin.

Examples:

I need to trace back my steps to find where I lost my keys.
The detective was able to trace back the sequence of events that led to the crime.
Let's trace back our conversation to see where the misunderstanding occurred.

Show examples from the web [+]

trace back. 1. To derive or originate from someone, something, or some place. The powerful corporation traces back nearly 200 years to a small manufacturing ...
trace back. These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content that does not reflect the opinions or policies of Collins, or its ...
trace back - Translation to Spanish, pronunciation, and forum discussions.
6 days ago ... These are words and phrases related to trace back. Click on any word or phrase to go to its thesaurus page. Or, go to the definition of ...
Dec 2, 2021 ... Genetics show humans likely trace back to Africa. But many of our ancestors picked up new DNA on their travels across time and continents.

Alternatives:

retrace
go back over
investigate
follow back
track back

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"trace back to"

This phrase is used when referring to the origin or source of something, indicating a connection between the current situation and its past.

Examples:

The tradition of giving flowers on Valentine's Day traces back to ancient Roman times.
The family's wealth can be traced back to their ancestors' successful business ventures.
The popularity of the dish traces back to its introduction by immigrants.

Show examples from the web [+]

Can you trace back to when they started so you can deal with any underlying issue too? The Sun (2012). The researchers used genetic material from 34 species of ...
Many English words trace back to Greek or Latin. See also: back, trace. The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin ...
Turn back the clock: NASCAR's earliest days trace back to Martinsville. By. Zack Albert NASCAR.com April 6, 2022 at 10:26 AM. Clay Campbell knows exactly ...
Dec 2, 2021 ... Genetics show humans likely trace back to Africa. But many of our ancestors picked up new DNA on their travels across time and continents.
Almost all living people outside of Africa trace back to a single migration more than 50,000 years ago · Genetic data confirm that ancient Aborigines and ...
Apr 4, 2022 ... Early symptoms of MS can vary widely, but will typically trace back to neurological impairment. Norton Healthcare / News / Services / ...
two experiences trace back to his youth · Difference : Trace Back Vs. Trace Down - English Only forum to trace back to something - English Only forum
Oct 4, 2011 ... Molecular analyses of MADS-box genes trace back to Gymnosperms the invention of fleshy fruits. Mol Biol Evol. 2012 Jan;29(1):409-19. doi: ...

Alternatives:

originate from
have its roots in
derive from
date back to
be linked to

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trace back vs trace back to

"trace back"

"trace back to"

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