According to sources

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "According to sources" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to attribute information or claims to unnamed or unspecified sources, often in news articles or reports. Example: "According to sources, the company is planning to launch a new product next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

According to sources involved, QSI operates different funds, raising money separately for them.

The Guardian - Sport

According to sources, Coach Nathaniel suggested that Mom drug Coach Simon with Children's Benadryl.

The New Yorker

According to sources familiar with Majidi's script, it depicts Muhammad's adventures through the age of 12.

The Guardian

According to sources, the US first lady, Michelle Obama, has requested a copy of the series.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

According to sources, it was cut from three hours down to two.

The Guardian - Film

According to sources quoted by Reuters, the restructuring plan could be revealed next month.

The Guardian

According to sources in the diamond industry, Unita representatives are selling diamonds on the Antwerp market.

Independent

According to sources in the BBC, Mr Oliver then attempted to dampen down the story.

Independent

According to sources a new agreement was hammered out under which another sum was paid.

Independent

According to sources, Mr. Thompson aims to reinvent the company with new products and services.

The New York Times

According to sources, funding rates in other disciplines are similar.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be specific with the type of sources wherever possible to enhance credibility. For example, use "According to sources within the company" instead of just "According to sources".

Common error

Avoid using "According to sources" as a crutch. Too much reliance on unnamed sources can make your writing seem speculative or lacking concrete evidence. Always aim to corroborate information with verifiable facts and named sources where possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "According to sources" functions as a prepositional phrase that serves as an attribution marker. It introduces information or claims that are purportedly obtained from individuals or entities that are not explicitly named. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that this phrase is often used to convey information while protecting the identity of the sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "According to sources" is a widely used prepositional phrase that acts as an attribution marker, commonly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage for conveying information from unnamed entities. When employing this phrase, it's essential to maintain a balance between providing information and ensuring credibility, and to use alternative phrasings where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sources indicate

This alternative is a more concise and direct way of attributing information.

Reports suggest

This alternative highlights that the information is coming from various reports or documentation.

It is reported that

This alternative provides a passive construction to convey information obtained from sources.

Insiders reveal

This alternative emphasizes that the information comes from individuals with inside knowledge.

Information suggests

This alternative focuses on the information itself, implying that multiple sources contribute to it.

Based on inside information

This alternative specifies that the information comes from privileged or confidential sources.

Those familiar with the matter say

This alternative indicates information from individuals closely acquainted with the situation.

Sources close to the situation claim

This alternative emphasizes that the sources are directly linked to the matter at hand.

Unnamed sources reveal

This alternative highlights the anonymity of the sources providing the information.

According to undisclosed informants

This alternative indicates that the sources are informants who wish to remain anonymous.

FAQs

How do you properly use "According to sources" in a sentence?

"According to sources" is typically used at the beginning of a sentence or clause to introduce information that is attributed to unnamed or confidential sources. For example, "According to sources, the deal is expected to close next week."

What are some alternatives to using "According to sources"?

You can use alternatives like "sources indicate", "reports suggest", or "it is reported that" depending on the context.

Is it acceptable to use "According to sources" without naming any sources?

Yes, it's acceptable when protecting the identity of the sources is necessary, but it's crucial to ensure the information's reliability and to be transparent about why the sources cannot be named.

What's the difference between "According to sources" and "According to a source"?

"According to sources" suggests that the information is coming from multiple sources, while "According to a source" indicates that the information is from a single, specific source. Consider using "a source said" for the latter.