a source suggested

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source suggested" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information or claims that have been provided by an unnamed or unspecified source, often in journalistic or reporting contexts. Example: "According to a source suggested, the company plans to launch a new product line next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A source suggested that Corbyn had been persuaded because he knew that the renewal had already been passed by a vote in parliament.

The Guardian

A source suggested today that Timchenko may have been unaware of the high-status role the Economist occupied in the UK.

The Guardian

A source suggested Mr Corbyn's response to any deal Mr Cameron reaches in Brussels was likely to focus on companies using migrant labour to force down wages – which he will say Mr Cameron's renegotiation has failed to address.

Independent

A source suggested to Recode that shifting power dynamics as a result of the deal prompted the departure.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This change in policy regarding the release of detainee photos may soon extend to Guantánamo, a source suggests.

The New Yorker

The PKK itself wants to draw more Turkish forces into Iraq (the Turks have kept some 1,000 soldiers there since an incursion in the 1990s) because, as a source suggests, "this could provoke armed confrontation between Turkey and America".

The Economist

Public records and a source suggest that Spectacles could be sold in many more states, including Nevada and Oregon.

Los Angeles Times

That evening, the Post reported that CNN faced a $100 million lawsuit over a bungled Russia story, and quoted a source suggesting Zucker and Time Warner executives were "anxious about if they will survive the merger".

Huffington Post

A Japanese source suggested wearing a sake-soaked surgical mask.

The New Yorker

A police source suggested there were four kidnappers, but a Romanian garage owner opposite the Roma camp said his wife had warned him a group of a dozen hooded youngsters were causing trouble, according to Le Monde.

The Guardian

One source mentioned Carlyle Group, but a different source suggested that would be unlikely because they own PrimeSport, a competitor in the space.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider specifying the type of source (e.g., "a government source suggested") to provide more context without revealing the source's identity.

Common error

Avoid using "a source suggested" too frequently in your writing, as it can weaken your credibility. Balance it with attributed information from verifiable sources to maintain trust with your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source suggested" functions as an attributive phrase used to introduce information attributed to an unnamed source. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a common way to indicate the origin of information without disclosing the source's identity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a source suggested" is a common attributive phrase used to introduce information from an unnamed source, predominantly found in news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it's useful for maintaining anonymity, it's important to balance its use with directly attributed information to maintain credibility. Alternatives like "a source said" or "according to reports" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. This phrase allows writers to convey information when sources require confidentiality, enhancing the flow and depth of reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reliable source claims

Emphasizes the trustworthiness of the source providing the information.

sources indicate

More generic plural form referring to more than one source but changes the emphasis slightly.

a source revealed

Implies the information was previously hidden or not widely known.

an inside source mentioned

Emphasizes that the source is someone with privileged information.

insiders say

Indicates the information comes from people within an organization or group.

a person familiar with the matter said

Formal and specific way of indicating a source with knowledge of the situation.

it is understood that

Passive voice construction that implies information is generally known within a certain circle.

a confidential informant disclosed

Highlights the secrecy and sensitivity of the information and source.

according to reports

Suggests the information comes from multiple documented accounts.

the word is

Informal way of saying that a rumor or piece of information is circulating.

FAQs

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

Use "a source suggested" to introduce information from an unnamed individual or document, like this: "A source suggested the deal would be finalized by Friday."

What are some alternatives to using "a source suggested"?

Alternatives include "a source said", "insiders say", or "according to reports" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to name a source directly instead of saying "a source suggested"?

Naming a source directly is generally better for transparency, but when sources require anonymity, "a source suggested" can be a useful way to convey information.

What does it mean when an article says "a source suggested"?

It typically means that the information comes from someone who wishes to remain anonymous, often to protect their job or maintain confidentiality.