Cool MateThey'll be able to track it vs Trace
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
They'll be able to track it
Top 2,000 (common)
Trace
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
| They'll be able to track it | Trace | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðeɪl biː ˈeɪbl tə træk ɪt//🇺🇸 //ðeɪl biː ˈeɪbl tə træk ɪt// | 🇬🇧 /["/treɪs/","/ˈtreɪsɪz/","/treɪst/","/ˈtreɪsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/treɪs/","/ˈtreɪsɪz/","/treɪst/","/ˈtreɪsɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | They will be able to follow it. | To follow or find the path of something |
| Example | They'll be able to track it using their smartphones. | You can trace the outline of your drawing with a pencil. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | track a package, track progress, track changes, track location, track performance | successfully, be able to, be unable to, can, to, carefully, easily, directly, can, attempt to, try to, to, gently, lightly, slowly, with, gently, lightly, slowly, with, gently, lightly, slowly, with |
| Antonyms | - | erase, lose, ignore |
| Common mistakes | Confusing the structure with 'can' directly., Omitting 'to' after 'able'., Using 'tracked' incorrectly instead of 'track'. | Confused with 'trace' as in an outline vs 'trace' as in following, Using 'trace' without specifying what is being traced, Mixing up 'trace' with 'track' in wrong contexts |
| Usage notes | Used in various contexts to indicate capability. Appropriate for both spoken and written English. Avoid in overly formal situations. | Use 'trace' when discussing following a path, like investigating. It's neutral; avoid in very casual contexts. Works well in technical or investigative discussions. |
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Frequently asked questions: They'll be able to track it vs Trace
What's the difference between They'll be able to track it and Trace?
They'll be able to track it: They will be able to follow it. Trace: To follow or find the path of something
Can you show an example of each?
They'll be able to track it: They'll be able to track it using their smartphones. Trace: You can trace the outline of your drawing with a pencil.
Can I use They'll be able to track it and Trace interchangeably?
Not always. They'll be able to track it and Trace are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.