The phrasal verb "track down" is predominantly used in informal speech, though it can appear in more formal contexts, particularly in writing related to investigations or problem-solving. It means to locate or find someone or something, often after a difficult or long search. Commonly used contexts include police work, investigative journalism, or technology where individuals might "track down" a criminal, a source, or a bug, respectively. The term implies determination and persistence. Other informal scenarios might involve tracking down information or a lost item. It's worth noting that in formal documentation, such as reports or academic papers, synonyms like "locate" or "find" might be preferred for a more formal tone, though "track down" conveys a more active pursuit than merely discovering something.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To search for and locate a person or thing.
After hours of searching, the police were finally able to track down the missing child.
She spent weeks tracking down her old classmates for the reunion.
2. To discover the true nature or facts about something through investigation.
It took a while, but I finally tracked down the source of the leak in the basement.
The reporter worked tirelessly to track down the truth behind the allegations.