a major source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major source" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant origin or contributor of something, such as information, resources, or energy. Example: "The internet has become a major source of information for students and researchers alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tourism is a major source of income.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is a major source of problems".

The Guardian

Spanish mines were also a major source.

Britannica

Fishing remains a major source of income.

Britannica

Agriculture remains a major source of income.

Britannica

Ticket woes are a major source of anger.

The New York Times

"It was a major source of frustration," Waters said.

The New York Times - Sports

This ambivalence is a major source of Walcott's creative energy.

The Guardian - Books

A major source of inflation is thus contained.

The New York Times

Landfills are a major source of revenue for Alabama.

The New York Times

Therein lies a major source of corporate profits.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a major source", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being sourced and why it is considered 'major'. Be specific about the impact or significance of the source.

Common error

Avoid using "a major source" when the contribution is relatively minor or insignificant. Overusing this phrase can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major source" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies something as a significant origin, cause, or provider. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a major source" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote something of significant origin or influence. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and science. While versatile, it's important to ensure the context warrants the 'major' designation to avoid overstating the source's importance. Alternatives like "a key source" or "a primary origin" can be used for nuanced expression. When writing, make sure to be specific about the impact or significance of the source.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an important origin

Uses 'important' instead of 'major', directly indicating significance.

a key source

Substitutes 'major' with 'key', highlighting importance and centrality.

a leading source

Uses 'leading' instead of 'major' to indicate prominence and influence.

a primary origin

Replaces 'source' with 'origin' and 'major' with 'primary', emphasizing the starting point.

a prominent source

Replaces 'major' with 'prominent' to highlight visibility and recognition.

a foremost origin

Replaces 'major' with 'foremost', suggesting top rank or position.

a significant contributor

Changes the construction to emphasize the act of contributing rather than the origin itself.

a substantial origin

Replaces 'major' with 'substantial', indicating considerable size or importance.

a chief origin

Substitutes 'major' with 'chief', emphasizing the primary or most important nature.

a principal cause

Shifts the focus to causality, replacing 'source' with 'cause' and 'major' with 'principal'.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major source" to indicate something significant is providing resources, information, or contributing in a substantial way. For example, "Tourism is "a major source" of income for the city."

What can I say instead of "a major source"?

You can use alternatives like "a primary source", "a key contributor", or "a significant factor" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a major source" or "the major source"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A major source" indicates one of several significant sources, while "the major source" refers to the most important source among all others.

What's the difference between "a major source" and "a minor source"?

"A major source" implies something is a significant or substantial origin or contributor, while "a minor source" indicates something is a less important or smaller origin or contributor.