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 • 824 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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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

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track down vs trace

"track down"

"trace"

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