a source of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a source of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could say "the book proved to be a source of valuable information." It can be used when talking about something that provides something else.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a source of stability".

The New York Times

It's a source of embarrassment".

The New York Times

"It's a source of information.

The New York Times

It's a source of controversy.

The New York Times

It's a source of identity.

The New York Times

A Source of Enduring Confusion.

The New York Times

It's a source of optimism.

The New York Times

It's a source of pride.

The New York Times

What a source of power!

The New York Times

It became a source of increasing tension.

The New York Times

Female sexuality remains a source of confusion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a source of" to clearly indicate the origin or cause of something, ensuring the sentence structure highlights the relationship between the source and the effect.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "a source of" in close proximity within your writing. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "origin", "cause", or "wellspring" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of" functions as a noun phrase complement, typically modifying another noun to indicate the origin, cause, or provider of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a source of" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that indicates the origin or cause of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While it's essential for clear communication, remember to vary your phrasing to avoid repetition. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively incorporate "a source of" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an origin of

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the beginning or starting point.

a supply of

This alternative focuses on the provision or availability of something.

a wellspring of

This alternative suggests an abundant and continuous supply.

a cause of

This focuses specifically on something that brings about an effect or result.

a resource for

This emphasizes the availability and utility of something as a means to an end.

a font of

This is a more literary alternative, implying a rich and plentiful supply, especially of information.

a reason for

This alternative provides the justification or explanation for something happening.

an inspiration for

This focuses on something that sparks creativity or motivation.

a generator of

This suggests that something actively creates or produces something else.

a contributor to

This highlights something that plays a part in bringing about a result.

FAQs

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

You can use "a source of" to indicate the origin or cause of something. For example, "The river is a source of irrigation for the nearby farms."

What are some alternatives to "a source of"?

Some alternatives include "an origin of", "a wellspring of", "a supply of", or "a cause of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "a source of" or "the source of"?

"A source of" is used when referring to one of potentially many sources, while "the source of" refers to a specific, definitive origin. For example, "The internet is a source of information" versus "The library is the source of the oldest manuscripts."

When should I use "a source of" versus "sourced from"?

"A source of" indicates something that provides or produces something else, whereas "sourced from" indicates where something was obtained. For instance, "The sun is a source of energy" versus "The data was sourced from government records."