a significant source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant source" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an important origin or contributor of information, resources, or materials in various contexts. Example: "The research identified a significant source of funding that enabled the project to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The fees have become a significant source of revenue.

The New York Times - Tech

For many colleges, trustees are a significant source of money.

The New York Times

It is also a significant source of iron.

The New York Times - Food

Nor was it a significant source of drugs.

The Economist

"That can definitely be a significant source of tension".

The New York Times

Vegetables, especially tomatoes, are a significant source of lycopene.

The New York Times

During the 1970s, oil was a major export and a significant source of foreign exchange.

The New York Times

"Destroying the Amazon would also turn what is a significant carbon sink into a significant source".

The Guardian

Despite being a significant source of economic growth, mining has never been a major employer.

The Guardian

"We've taken away a significant source of conflict that tears many orchestras apart.

The New York Times - Arts

Rotting solid waste in large quantities is a significant source of methane gas.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant source", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being sourced, providing specific details or examples to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant source" when the actual contribution is minor or unsubstantiated. Ensure the source genuinely warrants the descriptor "significant" based on evidence and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant source" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement, object of a preposition, or appositive. It identifies something as an important origin or contributor, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant source" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase, meaning an important origin or contributor. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. Related phrases include "an important source" and "a major source". When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific details about what's being sourced and avoid overstating the significance of the source.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an important source

Replaces "significant" with "important", emphasizing the relevance or value.

a major source

Substitutes "significant" with "major", indicating a larger scale or greater impact.

a key source

Changes "significant" to "key", highlighting its essential or crucial role.

a valuable source

Replaces "significant" with "valuable", emphasizing the worth or usefulness.

a considerable source

Uses "considerable" instead of "significant", suggesting a substantial amount or degree.

a primary source

Replaces "significant" with "primary", highlighting its fundamental or original nature.

a notable source

Substitutes "significant" with "notable", indicating its worthiness of attention.

a prominent source

Changes "significant" to "prominent", emphasizing its visibility or importance.

a substantial contributor

Shifts from "source" to "contributor", highlighting its role in providing something.

a relevant factor

Modifies the phrase to focus on its relevance or connection to a particular subject or context.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant source" to indicate an important origin or contributor. For example, "The study identified social media as "a significant source" of misinformation".

What are some alternatives to "a significant source"?

Alternatives include "an important source", "a major source", or "a key source" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "a significant source" or "an significant source"?

"A significant source" is correct. The indefinite article "a" is used before consonant sounds, while "an" is used before vowel sounds.

What's the difference between "a significant source" and "a primary source"?

"A significant source" implies importance or impact, while "a primary source" refers to an original or first-hand account or piece of evidence.