a major source of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major source of" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, "The sun is a major source of energy."

✓ 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

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

Curfew is a major source of conflict, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major source of", ensure the context clearly defines what is being sourced and its significance. For example, specify "a major source of revenue" or "a major source of conflict" to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a major source of" without providing specific details. Instead of saying "technology is a major source of progress", specify which aspects of technology contribute to progress and in what ways.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major source of" functions as a modifier, specifically as a noun phrase that identifies something as a significant origin or cause of a particular thing or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

30%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a major source of" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate something significant as a provider, cause, or origin. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is widespread and correct. It is suitable across various registers, but ensure the context clearly defines what is being sourced to avoid overgeneralization. As shown in the examples, it frequently appears in "News & Media", "Encyclopedias", and "Science", making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary origin of

Focuses more on the origin or starting point of something.

a significant cause of

Emphasizes the causal aspect, highlighting that something is a notable reason for an effect.

a key contributor to

Highlights the role of something in actively contributing to a particular outcome.

a foremost reason for

Highlights the importance of something as a reason behind a situation or event.

a leading factor in

Focuses on the influence of something as a driving force behind an outcome.

a notable generator of

Focuses on the generative aspect, indicating that something produces or creates something else.

a substantial provider of

Stresses the provision of something in a considerable amount.

a crucial element of

Emphasizes the necessity of something as an integral part of a whole.

a vital component of

Stresses the importance of something as an essential ingredient.

an important wellspring of

Emphasizes that something is a place or thing from which something else originates or is plentifully available.

FAQs

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

Use "a major source of" to indicate something that provides a substantial amount of something else. For example, "Tourism is "a major source of" income for the city".

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

You can use alternatives like "a primary origin of", "a significant cause of", or "a key contributor to" depending on the context.

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

"A major source of" implies one of several significant sources, while "the major source of" indicates the single most important source. The choice depends on the context.

Is "a major source for" grammatically correct, and how does it differ from "a major source of"?

"A major source for" is grammatically correct, but it has a different meaning. "A major source of" refers to the origin or provider of something, while "a major source for" refers to something that provides information or support. For example, a library can be "a major source for" research materials.