a general source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general source" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a source of information that provides broad or non-specific content on a topic. Example: "For a general source on climate change, you can refer to the latest reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It's easy to imagine someone spotting the generic-sounding Expectant Mother Care in the lobby directory and assuming it was a general source for reproductive information, perhaps even a medical office.

The New York Times

A general source parameter called the source descriptor is introduced.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

A general source: Forestfarm, 990 Tetherow Road, Williams, Ore .97544; www.forestfarm.com; [phone].

The New York Times

How can I use the Green's function for a general source?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The governing body's director of communications, William Gaillard admitted that the way in which matches in Italy are policed is a general source of concern for Uefa.

The Guardian - Sport

Thermal and catalytic pyrolysis are efficient processes for the transformation of biomass to bio-oil, a liquid energy carrier and a general source of chemicals.

Journal of Chromatography A

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The Merck Manual is a more general source of medical information than the Index (which is sold on CD-ROM).

The New York Times - Tech

A good general source of objections to Vision in God is Malebranche's own Elucidations, which was first appended to the Search in 1678, only four years after the original edition.

SEP

Furthermore, we will adopt a more general source model, unlike prior work [3, 4], in which data arrives randomly at a user with general distribution in each symbol duration.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

A second general source of antifungal agents comprises nonpolymeric synthetic agents, which can be classified into four groups (Table 3).

BioMed Research International

To identify similarities, we used the SwissProt database as a reliable general source of information for protein similarities.

DNA Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a general source", ensure that the information is reliable and aligns with the context of your writing. Provide specific details when possible to support broader claims.

Common error

Avoid using "a general source" as your only support. Always cross-reference with specific, verifiable data or expert opinions to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general source" typically functions as a noun phrase, identifying a non-specific origin or provider of information, resources, or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a general source" serves as a noun phrase indicating a broad, non-specific origin of information or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable across various contexts, though primarily found in scientific and news-related content. While useful for providing background or overview information, avoid over-reliance on general sources in formal writing. For alternatives, consider phrases like "a broad resource" or "a widespread source" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a general supplier

Refers to an entity that provides items or services on a broad or non-specialized basis.

a widespread source

Implies a resource or origin that is available or found in many places or among many people.

a common origin

Focuses on the point where things begin or derive from; emphasizes the starting point.

a broad resource

Suggests a wide-ranging and comprehensive collection of information or support.

a main provider

Highlights the role of offering or supplying something, often essential or necessary.

a typical supplier

Indicates a standard or representative entity that furnishes goods or services.

a universal reference

Implies that a resource is widely accepted and used across various fields or contexts.

a fundamental basis

Emphasizes the essential nature of something as a foundation or starting point.

a key foundation

Highlights something important upon which other things depend or are built.

a central repository

Suggests a place where information is stored and readily available.

FAQs

How can I use "a general source" in a sentence?

You can use "a general source" to refer to a broad or non-specific origin of information. For example: "For an overview, consult "a general source" on the topic before diving into specialized research."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a general source"?

Alternatives include "a broad resource", "a common origin", or "a widespread source", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to cite "a general source" in academic writing?

It's appropriate to cite "a general source" when providing background information or an overview of a topic. However, ensure you also include more specific and scholarly sources to support your arguments.

What makes a source qualify as "a general source"?

A source qualifies as "a general source" if it provides a broad overview or covers a wide range of information without focusing on specific details or specialized knowledge. Examples include introductory textbooks or widely accessible online encyclopedias.