a source said

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a source said' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to attribute a statement made by a source who is not identified. For example, "A source said that the firm is planning layoffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A source said: "It was unprofessional.

The Guardian

A source said: "Mother and daughter are doing brilliantly.

Independent

A source said: "The exit poll is accurate.

The Guardian

"The government does not direct police investigations," a source said.

The Guardian

Joint exercises are planned later this year, a source said.

Independent

"I've never seen him so enraged," a source said.

The New Yorker

"He knows he has nothing to hide," a source said.

The Guardian

It also had "genuine fears about privacy", a source said.

The Guardian

"These things will never go away," a source said.

The Guardian

A source said it would be inappropriate at this time.

The Guardian

A source said a decision was yet to be made.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a source said" when you need to protect the identity of your source, especially when the information is sensitive or controversial. It maintains journalistic integrity while ensuring the source's safety or professional standing.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "a source said" without providing any additional context about the source's credibility or position. Too much reliance on unnamed sources can weaken the perceived reliability of your writing. Vary your attribution and offer details when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source said" serves as an attribution marker, indicating that the subsequent information comes from an unnamed source. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is a standard and grammatically correct way to introduce information without revealing the source's identity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a source said" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to attribute information to unnamed sources. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves the crucial function of protecting sources while conveying important information. While it is essential for journalistic integrity, overuse without context can diminish credibility. Alternative phrases such as "according to sources" or "sources indicate" can offer stylistic variety while maintaining the necessary anonymity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inside source mentioned

This specifies the source as being internal to an organization, highlighting potential access to privileged information.

according to sources

This alternative emphasizes the plurality of sources, suggesting information is corroborated by multiple individuals.

a confidential informant disclosed

Highlights the confidentiality and potential sensitivity of the information provided.

sources indicate

This option provides a more formal and direct way to state that information comes from unnamed sources.

insiders reveal

This phrase implies that the information is coming from people within a specific organization or group, and that the information was kept secret.

it has been reported

This offers a passive construction, shifting focus away from a specific source to the act of reporting itself.

the word is

This is a more informal and colloquial way of indicating that information is circulating, often used for rumors or unconfirmed reports.

people are saying

This phrase attributes information to general public sentiment, rather than a specific insider.

it is understood that

This phrase is more formal and cautious, suggesting a common understanding or inference without direct attribution.

reports suggest

This emphasizes that information is based on available reports, which may or may not be confirmed.

FAQs

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

Use "a source said" to attribute information to an unnamed individual. For example, "A source said the company is planning to expand its operations."

What are some alternatives to "a source said"?

You can use phrases like "according to sources", "sources indicate", or "it has been reported" as alternatives to "a source said", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a source said" or name the source directly?

Naming the source directly is preferable for credibility, but "a source said" is useful when confidentiality is needed. Balancing transparency and source protection is key.

When is it appropriate to use "a source said"?

It's appropriate when the source requires anonymity due to potential repercussions, or when the information is unconfirmed but relevant. Always ensure the information's reliability before attributing it, even anonymously.