a source of questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of questions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that generates inquiries or prompts curiosity. Example: "The recent study has become a source of questions among researchers regarding its implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But his contradictions are exactly what make him valuable: difficult, resistant, a problem for American art, a source of questions rather than answers.

The New York Times - Arts

All math contests need a source of questions, and oftentimes the same types of questions appear over and over again.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Furthermore, the level of assumptions that may be required to decompose aggregated energy data for specific food sectors may themselves become a source of question, especially when the temporal aspect is considered.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

A procession of ageing ladies, entertaining their grandchildren during half-term, inventively used the painting as a source of quiz questions.

The Guardian

Sedation in palliative medicine is nowadays a well-assimilated practice by specialized teams, but remains a source of many questions involving sometimes difficulties even for experienced caregivers.

Éthique & Santé

In Ex parte Milligan (1866), after the repeal of those amendments, the Court held that habeas petitions in the circuit courts could be a source of certified questions to the Supreme Court.

Wikipedia

The research question we wanted to answer was "What are the relative qualities of questions generated from a knowledge base, from searching the web and from a professional source of questions?" For the evaluation, we randomly selected 40 questions generated from the knowledge base, 20 questions from the web search, and 20 from the list of professional questions.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

The area of big graphs is, however, a rich source of questions and vitality.

Data Science and Engineering

For the victim's loved ones, it is a source of confusion and questions of lingering grief, guilt, shame and anger.

The New York Times - Health

This book presents an innovative interpretation of the bible that undermines its authority as a source of truth, and questions the traditional understanding of prophecy, miracles and the divine law.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although Ms Currie insists that Britain needs to invest more in biotechnology, agricultural training and shale gas (a source of nitrates), she questions whether the country's voters would sanction the same level of payouts if it left the EU.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a source of questions", ensure the context clearly indicates what is prompting the inquiries. For example, "The controversial policy became a source of questions during the town hall meeting."

Common error

While "a source of questions" is grammatically sound, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for more precise and descriptive alternatives like "prompted numerous inquiries" or "sparked debate" to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of questions" functions as a noun phrase, identifying something that initiates or generates inquiries. This grammatical function is supported by examples in Ludwig, where the phrase describes the origin or cause of multiple questions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a source of questions" functions as a noun phrase, denoting something that prompts inquiries or further investigation. According to Ludwig, its grammatical correctness is validated by real-world examples. While not exceedingly common, it maintains a neutral to formal tone, suitable for news, academic, and general writing contexts. When using the expression, make sure the reason for the queries is transparent. For similar meanings, you can use alternatives such as “a wellspring of queries” or “a generator of inquiries”. Be mindful of overusing the phrase in highly formal contexts, where more precise terms might be preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wellspring of queries

Changes the metaphor to suggest an abundant supply of questions.

a generator of inquiries

Replaces "source" with "generator" and "questions" with "inquiries", focusing on the act of producing questions.

a cause for investigation

Shifts the focus to the investigative aspect prompted by the questions.

a trigger for inquiries

Replaces "source" with "trigger", implying that something initiates questions.

a point of interrogation

Focuses on the aspect of questioning and investigation that comes from something.

a subject of inquiry

Highlights the topic that the questions revolve around.

a matter for consideration

Changes the focus to thinking about something rather than asking questions about it.

a prompt for discussion

Implies that something initiates a discussion by raising questions.

a catalyst for debate

Highlights the aspect of argument and discussion triggered by something.

a field of study

Focuses on the broader aspect of academic exploration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a source of questions" to describe something that generates inquiries. For example, "The ambiguous data became "a source of questions" for the analysts."

What's a more formal alternative to "a source of questions"?

More formal alternatives include "a catalyst for inquiries" or "a wellspring of queries", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Each suggests a different level or type of question generation.

How does "a source of questions" differ from "a cause for concern"?

"A source of questions" implies something is prompting inquiries and investigation, while "a cause for concern" suggests something is prompting worry or anxiety. They focus on different reactions or outcomes.

Is it correct to say 'the source of question' instead of "a source of questions"?

No, it is not generally correct. The phrase is "a source of questions" (plural) because typically, something prompts multiple inquiries, not just one. "The source of the question" would refer to the origin of a specific, singular question.