to find someone or something after a difficult search
find someone or something after looking hard
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
to find a person or thing after searching for them carefully or for a long time
"I finally tracked down the book I needed at a second-hand shop."
Police tracked down the suspect within hours.
— common news report phrasing; no single verifiable source recalled
to obtain information by searching persistently
"Can you track down her email address for me?"
to follow tracks until you reach the person or thing
find someone or something after looking hard
Very common in everyday and journalistic English. Used for people, documents, information, and stolen items.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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