a possible source of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a possible source of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential origins or contributors to a particular issue, phenomenon, or situation. Example: "The recent changes in climate patterns could be a possible source of the increased frequency of natural disasters."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

GIC are a possible source of problems to the systems.

Advances in Space Research

Irrigation water is also a possible source of recharge.

Journal of Hydrology

This communication directs attention to wine as a possible source of increased dietary iron in hæmochromatosis.

Nature

L. longissimus first sparked our interest as a possible source of tetrodotoxin (TTX).

Nature

The orbito-frontal cortex (OFC) is a possible source of motivational inputs to the DLPFC.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They also collected samples of dust, soil and vents seeking a possible source of anthrax-contaminated materials.

The New York Times - Science

Most important of all, the federal government is a possible source of increased financing for mass transit.

The New York Times

They cited the government's statutory duty to inform and educate Medicare beneficiaries as a possible source of authority.

The New York Times

Dr. Hall said that health workers were testing a variety of animals as a possible source of his infection.

The New York Times

Accidental dural tears during craniotomy constitute a possible source of CSF leakage and wound infection.

Neurochirurgie

Anisotropy of strain aging kinetics is proposed as a possible source of confusion.

Materials Science and Engineering: A

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a possible source of", ensure that you clearly articulate the evidence or reasoning that supports this possibility to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting something as "a possible source of" and then discussing it as if it's a confirmed cause. Maintain a level of uncertainty appropriate to the evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a possible source of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object complement. It identifies a potential origin, cause, or contributor to a particular situation, problem, or outcome. As Ludwig AI underlines, the phrase is deemed correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

27%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a possible source of" is a versatile noun phrase used to suggest potential origins or causes without asserting certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields, particularly in science, news, and academia. When writing, ensure you provide supporting evidence to back up the proposed possibility. While Ludwig's examples showcase various contexts, remember to maintain an appropriate level of uncertainty. Alternatives include "a potential origin of" and "a likely cause of", which offer subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a potential origin for

Replaces "source" with "origin" and "possible" with "potential", emphasizing where something could have started.

a likely cause of

Focuses on causation rather than just origination, suggesting a high probability.

a potential contributor to

Highlights the idea of contributing to a larger effect or outcome.

a conceivable reason for

Emphasizes a rational explanation that could explain something.

a suspected factor in

Implies there is suspicion or investigation into its role.

a hypothetical explanation for

Introduces a theoretical explanation that requires further investigation.

an imaginable reason behind

Highlights the imaginative thinking behind the possibility

a feasible contributor of

Highlights the practicality and potential for contribution.

a plausible explanation of

Highlights the credibility and believability of the explanation.

a potential resource for

Shifts the focus to a resource or provision, rather than a cause or origin.

FAQs

How do I use "a possible source of" in a sentence?

Use "a possible source of" to indicate something that could potentially be the origin or cause of a particular situation or problem. For instance, "Lack of sleep is "a possible source of" errors at work."

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

You can use alternatives like "a potential origin of", "a likely cause of", or "a potential contributor to" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "a possible source of" or "the possible source of"?

"A possible source of" is used when referring to one potential origin among many. "The possible source of" implies you are referring to a specific, already identified possibility. For example, "Stress could be "a possible source of" his health issues" versus "The data suggests that the leak is "the possible source of" the contamination."

What's the difference between "a possible source of" and "a likely source of"?

"A possible source of" indicates something might be the origin, but there's no strong evidence. "A likely source of" suggests there's a higher probability or more supporting evidence. Using "a probable source of" implies even greater certainty.