a source of material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a place or entity that provides information, resources, or content for a specific purpose, such as research or creative work. Example: "The library serves as a source of material for students working on their theses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

(Mr. Letterman had mined "Manhattan's giant rats" as a source of material for months).

The New York Times

He then turned to the Soviet Union as a source of material.

The New York Times

Whaling was not just a source of material prosperity for the Makah; it was also a spiritual endeavor.

The New York Times - Books

"I had never foreseen that he would be such a source of material," he said of his father.

The New York Times - Books

At the same time she continues to live and work in South India, drawing on it as a source of material and inspiration.

The New York Times

But over the long run, the purchase of Dow Jones and The Journal is seen as providing a source of material, credibility and personnel for the Fox Business Network.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

This aligns it with Atelier NL's clay experiments and other rural design projects, which don't simply draw on the countryside for aesthetic inspiration, but explore its potential as a source of materials.

The New York Times - Arts

Utilizing natural materials over traditional, synthetic structures results in a reduction of carbon emissions from material synthesis; such a source of materials could also be renewable and recyclable.

Composite Structures

However, to use waste efficiently, it is necessary to examine the supply chain of wastes as a source of materials with potential to generate energy.

Resources, Conservation and Recycling

Her crazy life was simply a source of good material.

The New York Times

Bradley Manning, has been arrested and accused of being a source of classified material.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a source of material", ensure that the type of material is clear from the context. For instance, specify if it is "a source of research material" or "a source of building material" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a source of material" without specifying the type of material. Vague usage can confuse the reader. Be precise about what kind of material is being sourced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of material" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. Ludwig shows it identifies where resources, content, or information originate. The phrase designates an entity or place from which something is obtained.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

52%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a source of material" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to denote where resources, content, or information originate. According to Ludwig, it is versatile and appears in various contexts, including News & Media and scientific publications. While generally neutral in register, it is essential to specify the type of material for clarity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability in diverse writing scenarios, emphasizing its role in pinpointing origins.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a provider of resources

Focuses on the act of providing resources, suitable in contexts where the act of supplying is important.

a resource for supplies

Emphasizes the provision of supplies, shifting focus from general materials to tangible resources.

a wellspring of content

Highlights the abundance and continuous flow of content, often used in creative contexts.

a generator of content

Emphasizes the creation of content, suitable when the material is actively produced.

an origin of data

Specifies data as the material, useful in scientific or analytical contexts.

a supplier of goods

Highlights the commercial aspect of providing materials, focusing on trade and supply chains.

a repository of knowledge

Highlights the accumulation and storage of knowledge, implying a curated collection of information.

an inspiration for ideas

Highlights that "material" is used as inspiration for ideas.

a foundation for substance

Highlights that "material" provides basis for anything with substance.

a basis for subject matter

Highlights the underlying subject of any kind of content or discourse.

FAQs

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

You can use "a source of material" to indicate where something originates. For example, "The library is a source of material for research papers" or "The internet is a vast source of material for learning new skills".

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

Alternatives include "a provider of resources", "a wellspring of content", or "a resource for supplies", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the source of the material" instead of "a source of material"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A source of material" implies one of many possible sources, while "the source of the material" implies a specific, identified source.

What's the difference between "a source of material" and "a source of information"?

"A source of material" is broader and can refer to any kind of resource, while "a source of information" specifically refers to where data or knowledge comes from.