a substantial source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial source" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant origin or provider of information, resources, or materials. Example: "The research paper cited a substantial source of data that supported its findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The workers were really looking to Noche as a substantial source of employment.

The New York Times

I can't deny that Hershey's Kisses were a substantial source of happiness in my childhood.

The New Yorker

The Caribbean nation is a substantial source of plastic because it lacks recycling infrastructure.

The Guardian

"Al-Jazeera's ability to influence public opinion throughout the region is a substantial source of leverage for Qatar," he wrote.

The Guardian

Nitrogen fertilization is a substantial source of nitrogen-containing trace gases that have both regional and global consequences.

Stanford University

Second, a substantial source of this system's cost-effectiveness was an unanticipated consequence of earlier railroad deregulation.

Harvard University

He said he suspected that the fines were a substantial source of revenue for governments in poor parts of China.

The New York Times

Take away paying opportunities and our free galleries will lose a substantial source of income and growth.

Independent

These "green collar" jobs are manufacturing-heavy and export-driven and represent a substantial source of growth.

The New York Times

In wine-producing regions, the recovery of vineyard pruning residue may represent a substantial source of industrial bio-fuel.

Applied Energy

For its part, Columbia House, with annual revenue around $1.4 billion, has long been a substantial source of cash for Sony and Time Warner.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial source", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being sourced and why its magnitude matters. Be specific about the impact or significance of its substantiality.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial source" when the actual contribution is marginal or insignificant. Ensure the term accurately reflects the size or impact of the source being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial source" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying something that provides a significant amount of something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. It is used to describe a significant origin or provider of information, resources or materials.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial source" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote something significant that provides a considerable amount of something else. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely applicable, particularly within scientific, news, and academic spheres. When employing this phrase, ensure that the term accurately reflects the magnitude of the source, and clearly establishes what is being sourced. While suitable for formal contexts, avoid overstating the significance if the contribution is marginal. Related phrases include "a significant origin" or "a major contributor".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant origin

Replaces 'substantial' with 'significant', focusing on the importance of the origin.

a major contributor

Shifts from 'source' to 'contributor', highlighting the active role in providing something.

a considerable resource

Substitutes 'source' with 'resource', emphasizing the availability and usefulness of what is provided.

a key provider

Highlights the importance of the entity providing something.

a primary origin

Focuses on the initial or fundamental nature of the source.

a noteworthy cause

Emphasizes the importance or remarkability of the origin.

a prominent factor

Highlights the conspicuous or important aspect of the source.

a valuable asset

Shifts the focus to the worth or merit of the source.

a dependable supplier

Emphasizes the reliability of the source.

an ample generator

Highlights the plentiful production from the source.

FAQs

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

Use "a substantial source" to indicate something significant provides a considerable amount of something. For example, "The river is "a substantial source" of irrigation for the region's agriculture."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial source"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant origin", "a major contributor", or "a considerable resource" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "substantial source" or "significant source"?

Both "substantial source" and "significant source" are valid. "Substantial" emphasizes quantity or size, while "significant" emphasizes importance. Choose the word that best fits the specific meaning you want to convey.

Can "a substantial source" refer to abstract concepts?

Yes, "a substantial source" can refer to abstract concepts like information, influence, or inspiration. For example, "Historical archives served as "a substantial source" of data for the researcher's analysis."