a source told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source told" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in journalism or reporting to indicate that information has been provided by an unnamed individual or entity. Example: "According to a report, a source told the newspaper that the negotiations were progressing well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Jeff and Elle eloped a month ago," a source told People.

Los Angeles Times

a source told the tabloid.

Independent

"It's not good," a source told TMZ.

Independent

OBAMA!'" a source told the paper.

The Guardian - Music

A source told Reveal magazine: "Amy's obsessed with having children.

Independent

"They're locked and loaded," a source told the fashion site.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The league denied the request, a source told AP.

The Guardian - Sport

They are now "so thrilled", a source told the magazine.

The Guardian - Music

"It's not a huge plot point," a source told TheWrap.

The Guardian - Film

A source told the Post: "On paper, she is running Subway".

Independent

A source told The Sun newspaper: "The assistant says she recognised Peaches as she came in.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance credibility, provide context about why the source remains unnamed, such as protecting their identity or job security.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on anonymous sources for critical information; strive to corroborate details through multiple channels to prevent misinformation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source told" functions as an introductory attribution, indicating the origin of reported information. It introduces a statement or piece of news attributed to an unnamed individual. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in reporting contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Wiki

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a source told" is a very common phrase used primarily in news and media to attribute information to an unnamed individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves the purpose of conveying information while maintaining source anonymity. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, writers should use it judiciously, ensuring source credibility and striving for transparency whenever possible. Alternatives such as "according to sources" or "insider revealed" can offer nuanced variations, but "a source told" remains a staple in reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to sources

This alternative is more general, referring to multiple sources rather than a single one.

sources indicate

This alternative uses a more formal verb to suggest the passing of information.

an insider revealed

This phrase suggests that the source has special or privileged information.

it was reported that

This phrase emphasizes the act of reporting rather than the source itself.

reports suggest

Similar to "it was reported that", this puts emphasis on the collective reports.

the word is

This is a more informal way of indicating that information is circulating.

information suggests

This alternative highlights the information itself as the subject.

as per information received

This is a formal way to indicate that the information comes from an external point.

the understanding is

This phrase is used to signal an assumption based on available information.

sources claim

This alternative emphasizes the statement made by the source but with a level of uncertainty.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "a source told"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "sources indicate", "it was reported that", or "information suggests".

When is it appropriate to use "a source told" in writing?

It's appropriate when you need to convey information obtained from an individual who wishes to remain anonymous, often to protect their identity or job. Always ensure the information is credible.

What are some alternatives to "a source told" that imply less certainty?

If you want to express a degree of uncertainty, you could use phrases like "sources claim" or "the understanding is".

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

Yes, naming a source directly is generally better because it enhances credibility and transparency. However, if the source requires anonymity for valid reasons, "a source told" is acceptable, provided you maintain ethical standards.