a reliable source

USAGE SUMMARY

"a reliable source" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that is reliable or trustworthy, such as when making a reference to a statement or fact that has been verified. For example: "According to a reliable source, the company's new product will be released next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is a reliable source.

The Guardian - Arts

Yet it is considered a reliable source of settlement information.

The New York Times

He is also a reliable source of rhetorical flourishes.

The New York Times

A reliable source for the big local specialty, Peking Duck.

The New York Times

What it needs is a reliable source of income.

The New York Times

"But I also think it's a reliable source of information".

The New York Times

Mill Cottage Plants is a reliable source of hydrangeas.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Could such a man be a reliable source?

The New Yorker

"According to a reliable source at News International …".

The Guardian

It's not always fresh or a reliable source of sustenance.

The Guardian

Why not turn to a reliable source of income?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When citing information, clearly identify "a reliable source" to enhance your writing's credibility. Be specific if possible (e.g., "According to The New York Times...").

Common error

Avoid using sources without verifying their credibility. Just because something is published doesn't automatically make it "a reliable source". Always cross-reference information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reliable source" functions as a noun phrase, where 'reliable' modifies 'source'. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, indicating its acceptance in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a reliable source" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that information comes from a trustworthy origin. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and science. When using this phrase, ensure the source is genuinely credible to maintain the integrity of your writing. Remember to verify and cross-reference information, avoiding over-reliance on unverified sources. Consider using synonyms like "a trustworthy source" or "a credible source" for variety. By following these guidelines, you can effectively enhance the credibility and impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trustworthy source

Replaces 'reliable' with 'trustworthy', emphasizing the aspect of believability and integrity.

a credible source

Substitutes 'reliable' with 'credible', highlighting the quality of being believable and convincing.

a dependable source

Changes 'reliable' to 'dependable', focusing on the consistency and predictability of the source.

a reputable source

Replaces 'reliable' with 'reputable', emphasizing the source's good standing and established credibility.

a verified source

Highlights that the information from the source has been checked and confirmed for accuracy.

a validated source

Indicates that the source has undergone a process of validation to ensure its reliability.

a well-founded source

Emphasizes that the source is based on solid evidence and reasoning.

an authoritative source

Replaces 'reliable' with 'authoritative', indicating the source is recognized as an expert in the field.

a consistent source

Focuses on the source's history of providing reliable information over time.

a proven source

Highlights that the source has been tested and shown to be reliable in the past.

FAQs

How can I identify "a reliable source"?

Look for sources with a strong reputation for accuracy, expertise in the subject matter, and a clear editorial process. Academic journals, established news organizations, and government reports are often good choices.

What should I do if I'm unsure if a source is truly "a reliable source"?

Cross-reference the information with other sources. If multiple independent sources corroborate the same information, it's more likely to be reliable. Be wary of single sources, especially if they are not well-known or have a clear bias.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a reliable source"?

You can use alternatives like "a trustworthy source", "a credible source", or "an authoritative source" depending on the context.

Is Wikipedia "a reliable source"?

While Wikipedia can be a good starting point for research, it is not always considered "a reliable source" due to its open editing policy. Information on Wikipedia should always be verified with more authoritative sources.