a mine of information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mine of information" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that has a vast amount of knowledge or information on a particular topic. Example: "The librarian was a mine of information on ancient history, always able to recommend the perfect book for my research projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Owner Ian is a mine of information.

The Guardian - Travel

"It's a mine of information," she says.

The Guardian

"You're a mine of information," Alison said drily.

The New York Times - Magazine

Magan was a mine of information and anecdotes.

The New York Times

"I found the Ucas website a mine of information," says Wendy Pannell.

The Guardian

Choosing "resident of the United States" on Propecia's website opens a mine of information on Merck's popular anti-baldness treatment.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Although I've picked some random trivia, the World Factbook is a mine of useful information.

The Guardian - Tech

The multi-lingual owners, who have young children of their own, are a mine of useful information on local activities and attractions.

The Guardian - Travel

Roy Hattersley - Politician and writer This year, Roy Jenkins's Churchill (Macmillan, £30) outstrips every other biography, not just because it is a mine of new information but because it provides the judgment of one politician on another.

The Guardian - Books

The couple are also a mine of useful information about everything from the best secret surf spots to local wines, and on the first evening served up a very decent bottle of white made from the grapes from their own vineyard.

The Guardian - Travel

This cultivated and musical man was a mine of fascinating information and, as he shot another few volts up my arm, he told me how he was constantly reminding his students of the miracle that is the human body and how amazingly reliable it is most of the time.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a mine of information" to describe someone or something that offers extensive and detailed insights, especially when highlighting their expertise or comprehensive knowledge base.

Common error

Avoid using "a mine of information" for trivial or easily accessible facts. The phrase implies a depth and breadth of knowledge beyond common understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mine of information" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or an appositive to describe a person, place, or thing that is exceptionally knowledgeable or informative. Ludwig provides examples where it modifies nouns like "owner Ian", "Ucas website", and "Stasi files".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a mine of information" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe a person, resource, or document that contains a wealth of knowledge, useful data or deep insights. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and sees usage across different types of sources like news media, encyclopedias and travel guides, indicating its broad applicability. As Ludwig AI explains, the expression is commonly used in both formal and informal writing. To ensure clarity, writers should use this phrase to accurately describe a large and valuable supply of knowledge and try to prevent using it for trivial data. Alternative phrases like "a wealth of knowledge" or "a treasure trove of data" can be used to add variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wealth of knowledge

Emphasizes the abundance of knowledge, similar to a large store or supply.

a treasure trove of data

Implies a collection of valuable and sought-after information, like a hidden treasure.

an encyclopedia of facts

Suggests a comprehensive and organized collection of information, similar to an encyclopedia.

a bottomless well of knowledge

Indicates an endless or inexhaustible supply of knowledge.

a repository of information

Highlights the role of storing and preserving information.

a fountain of wisdom

Presents the source as providing insightful and sagacious knowledge.

a cornucopia of data

Similar to "treasure trove", suggesting richness and variety.

a storehouse of facts

Conveys the sense of a large, well-stocked reserve of facts.

a vast database of knowledge

Highlights the structured and organized nature of the information.

an inexhaustible source of insight

Implies not only an abundance of information but also a deep understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "a mine of information" in a sentence?

You can use "a mine of information" to describe a person, book, website, or any resource that provides extensive and valuable knowledge on a particular subject. For instance, "The professor was "a mine of information" on classical literature".

What are some alternatives to saying "a mine of information"?

Alternatives include "a wealth of knowledge", "a treasure trove of data", or "an encyclopedia of facts" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to describe a database as "a mine of information"?

Yes, describing a database as "a mine of information" is appropriate if the database contains a large amount of useful and detailed data. This emphasizes the database's value as a source of insights.

What's the difference between "a source of information" and "a mine of information"?

"A source of information" is a general term for anything that provides information. "A mine of information" implies a particularly rich, deep, and extensive source, suggesting a greater depth and breadth of knowledge than a simple source.