TextRanch
The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

TextRanch Editors

track down vs trace

Both 'track down' and 'trace' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Track down' is commonly used to mean finding someone or something after a search, while 'trace' is often used to mean to find the origin or development of something.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 803 views

The phrase 'track down' is correct and commonly used in English to mean finding someone or something after a search.

"track down"

Use 'track down' when you are searching for someone or something and you eventually find them or it. It implies a process of following clues or leads to locate the target.

Examples:

  • The detective managed to track down the suspect.
  • I need to track down that book I lent to you last month.
  • We finally tracked down the missing keys under the sofa.
  • She was able to track down her long-lost relatives through a genealogy website.
  • The police are trying to track down the stolen car.
  • We can track down your number...
  • I'll help you track down the nano-virus.
  • Maybe I should have Bear track down Ms. Shaw.
  • Transits have been crucial in helping us track down Earth-like planets.
  • I have to go track down our mystery man.
  • See who you can track down, what they say.
  • I'll have Cho track down the body.
  • Now, let's track down your anonymous source from three years ago.
  • They're stable, and Unicef is helping track down their family.
  • You hijacked a murder investigation to help you track down an ex-boyfriend.
  • I asked the sheriff to help me track down Damon.
  • Geller, see if you can track down this Mays Gilliam.
  • Just last week, I helped a prince from Nigeria track down his fortune.
  • We can track down axl's granny in the morning.
  • We can track down whoever's doing this.
  • I helped you track down Henry Wilcox.
  • Try and track down Ross Lanten's wife.
  • Find the leak, track down Barbosa's body.
  • Time to go track down a trader.
  • Let's see if we can track down any checks that were deposited into Sunfire Limited recently.

Alternatives:

  • locate
  • find
  • hunt down
  • chase down
  • pinpoint

The word 'trace' is correct and commonly used in English to mean to find the origin or development of something.

"trace"

Use 'trace' when you want to find out the source, cause, or development of something. It is often used in a more abstract or historical context.

Examples:

  • The archaeologists traced the origins of the ancient artifact to a specific region.
  • She tried to trace the history of her family back to the 18th century.
  • The scientists were able to trace the outbreak of the disease to contaminated water.
  • The detective traced the counterfeit money to a local gang.
  • The artist traced the influence of Picasso in her paintings.
  • Maximum trace level must be a positive value.
  • The signature trace matches her computer.
  • Whoever abandoned him erased every trace.
  • Unless he left a digital trace.
  • No trace of either on the body.
  • I was linked to the hive, every trace of individuality erased.
  • The trace of the donor is his histological identity Genetical...
  • Mostly carbon, with some potassium and trace minerals.
  • Your cells contain no trace of the speed force.
  • Computer, access the transporter ID trace for Ambassador T'Pel.
  • The USS Cyclops vanished without a trace.
  • Only the trace of an American accent.
  • No trace of her in the town.
  • And I want to wipe every trace of him from my life.
  • There's no trace of us here.
  • We found no trace of him.
  • Scanners indicate... a platinum trace.
  • The Rapporteur welcomes new initiatives and technologies to trace products.
  • I had the bank trace the wire.
  • Just got my annual trace metals report.

Alternatives:

  • find the origin of
  • discover the source of
  • uncover the development of
  • investigate the history of
  • follow the trail of

Related Comparisons

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

  • Emails and short texts
  • Proofreading & editing
  • Ready in 5-10 minutes
SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

  • Documents of any type (*.docx)
  • Advanced & Premium editing
  • Ready in as little as 4 hours
UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

  • Personalized answers to your language questions
  • Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
  • Ready in 24 hours
ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Powered By Humans

TextRanch Editors

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

  • All our editors are native English speakers.
  • Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
  • Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

TextRanch Editors

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

People Feedback 4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Profile picture of Zubair from Bangladesh

Zubair
from Bangladesh From

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Profile picture of Arturo from Mexico

Arturo
from Mexico From

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Profile picture of Selena from USA

Selena
from USA From

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Profile picture of Ifiok from Nigeria

Ifiok
from Nigeria From

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Profile picture of Wilson from France

Wilson
from France From

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Profile picture of Susan from Germany

Susan
from Germany From

Trusted by Hundreds Teams

Facebook logo
Accenture logo
Air Asia logo
AirBus logo
Amazon logo
Bayer logo
Decathlon logo
Docusign logo
Ebay logo
Fiverr logo
Fossil logo
Keller Williams logo
LinkedIn logo
Loreal logo
Motorola logo
Orange logo
Roche logo
Salesforce logo
Stellantis logo