a significant source of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant source of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that provides a considerable amount of a particular resource, information, or influence. Example: "The research indicates that renewable energy is a significant source of sustainable power for the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 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

Exports have been a significant source of growth in Connecticut.

The New York Times

Tax-based revenue is a significant source of governmental income.

Britannica

Bird-watching has become a significant source of tourist income.

Britannica

This was not considered a significant source of bias.

Nature

Could Evaporation Be a Significant Source of Renewable Energy?

Yale University

Neurointerventional procedures represent a significant source of ionizing radiation.

Stanford University

Nor was it a significant source of drugs.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant source of", ensure that the noun following 'of' is specific and measurable to enhance clarity and impact. For instance, use "a significant source of revenue" instead of "a significant source of benefit."

Common error

Avoid using "a significant source of" when the contribution is minor or negligible. Overstating the significance can undermine credibility. Instead, use qualifiers such as 'a minor source of' or 'a contributing factor'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant source of" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the origin or provider of something important. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its application across various domains, indicating a consistent grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

23%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

7%

Unknown

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant source of" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the importance of an origin or provider. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and common usage across diverse contexts. It functions as a noun phrase with a neutral to formal register. The phrase is particularly prevalent in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science", highlighting its relevance in informed discussions. When using this phrase, ensure specificity and avoid overstating significance to maintain credibility. Alternative phrases like ""a major contributor to"" or ""an important provider of"" can be employed to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember to be precise in your writing and use the alternatives that fit best for your purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A major contributor to

Emphasizes the contributing aspect, implying an active role in providing something.

An important provider of

Focuses on the act of providing and the importance of the providing entity.

A key generator of

Highlights the generation or creation aspect of the source.

A primary driver of

Implies that the source is a force that propels or stimulates something.

A substantial origin of

Emphasizes the origination aspect and the substantiality of the source.

A considerable supplier of

Highlights the supply aspect, suggesting a consistent and notable provision.

A noteworthy producer of

Focuses on the production aspect, indicating that the source actively creates something of importance.

A prominent factor in

Highlights the prominence and influence of the source as a factor.

A valuable asset for

Focuses on the asset aspect, indicating that the source is beneficial and useful.

A reliable resource for

Emphasizes the reliability of the source in providing a particular resource.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant source of" to indicate that something provides a considerable amount of a resource or influence. For example, "Renewable energy is "a significant source of" sustainable power".

What are some alternatives to "a significant source of"?

Alternatives include "a major contributor to", "an important provider of", or "a key generator of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "significant source for" or "significant source of"?

The correct preposition is "of". "A significant source of" is the idiomatic and grammatically correct choice. Using "for" would be incorrect in this context.

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

While both phrases indicate importance, "a major source of" often implies a greater degree of contribution or influence than ""a significant source of"". The choice depends on the precise degree of emphasis you want to convey.