a source says

USAGE SUMMARY

"a source says" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used when citing information from a source without explicitly naming the source. It can also be used to indicate that the information is not confirmed or verified. Example: In an article about the upcoming election, a source says that the incumbent candidate is currently leading in the polls.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

A source says: "Dalton is very bright, impressive and strategic.

Independent

A source says the huge Peabody coal company will announce an investment in Calera next week.

The New York Times

"He woke up on Friday morning entirely convinced and resolved," a source says.

The Guardian

A source says: "Daniel would be perfect at the pain, wit and passion.

The Guardian - Film

If a source says that it's raining when the air is dry, it doesn't put the company in the most favorable light.

The New Yorker

A source says that prosecutors will drop the case against Dominique Strauss-Kahn because the credibility of the maid he is accused of raping is so questionable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

A source said: "It was unprofessional.

The Guardian

A source said a decision was yet to be made.

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain journalistic integrity, avoid using "a source says" excessively in a single piece. Over-reliance on unnamed sources can undermine the credibility of the information.

Common error

Avoid using "a source says" when the information is already available through public records or official statements. Instead, cite the original source directly to maintain transparency and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source says" functions as an attribution marker. It indicates that the information being presented comes from a particular source, but the source is not explicitly named. As Ludwig AI reports, this is a common practice in news and media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a source says" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase, particularly in news and media, to attribute information to an unnamed source. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a common practice for conveying information while protecting anonymity. While highly prevalent, it's essential to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring the information is not publicly available and considering the source's reliability. Alternatives like "according to a source" or "sources indicate" can offer nuanced ways to attribute information. Avoiding overuse and misuse, as well as maintaining transparency, is crucial for journalistic integrity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to a source

This alternative directly attributes the information to a source, similar to the original phrase but with a slightly more formal tone.

a source indicates

This alternative replaces "says" with "indicates", suggesting that the source is implying something rather than stating it directly.

sources suggest

This alternative uses "suggest" instead of "says", indicating a less direct or certain transmission of information.

insiders reveal

This alternative replaces "a source" with "insiders", suggesting that the information comes from people within a specific group or organization. It also replaces "says" with "reveal", emphasizing the disclosure of information.

sources claim

This alternative uses "claim" instead of "says", implying that the information might not be entirely verified or confirmed.

it is reported that

This alternative is a more passive way of conveying information, suggesting that the information is coming from an unspecified source.

according to reports

This alternative highlights that the information is based on official reports, implying a degree of verification.

it is believed that

This alternative indicates that the information is based on belief or assumption, rather than direct knowledge.

the word is

This alternative presents the information as rumor or hearsay, often used in informal contexts.

people are saying

This alternative is a more general attribution, indicating that the information is circulating among a group of people.

FAQs

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

You can use "a source says" to attribute information to an unnamed individual or document. For example, "A source says the company is planning a major restructuring."

What are some alternatives to "a source says"?

Alternatives include "according to a source", "sources indicate", or "insiders reveal". The choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is it better to name the source instead of using "a source says"?

Naming the source is generally preferred for transparency and credibility. However, "a source says" is appropriate when the source requests anonymity to protect their job, safety, or other sensitive information.

When is it inappropriate to use "a source says"?

It's inappropriate when the information is publicly available or easily verifiable through official channels. It's also questionable if the source's motives are suspect or if the information is not corroborated by other evidence.