a wire service

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wire service" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an organization that gathers news and sells it to newspapers, magazines, and broadcasters. Example: "The breaking news was reported by a wire service, ensuring that all major outlets received the information simultaneously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Then a wire service reporter came.

The Washington Post

A wire service offered $100,000.

The Washington Post

He compares TMZ to a wire service.

The Guardian

James Michaels began his career as a wire service reporter.

The New York Times

Everybody has been turned into a wire service reporter.

The New York Times - Travel

It wants no part in any culture wars; it's a wire service.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Cronkite was a wire-service reporter.

The New York Times

A wire-service reporter urged Biden to reconsider.

The New Yorker

At the very least, The Times could publish a wire-service story, summarizing the situation.

The New York Times

We ran film -- literally -- from a wire-service photographer to a truck outside the park.

The New York Times - Sports

He has a wire-service reporter's metabolism, and a relish for action and high-profile scoops.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about news organizations, use "a wire service" to denote a news agency that provides syndicated content to other news outlets. It's important for attributing the original source of the information.

Common error

Avoid using "a wire service" when you mean direct, original reporting by a specific news organization. Attribute content accurately to the original source; a wire service provides content to other organizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wire service" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying an entity that gathers and distributes news to other news organizations. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in attributing news sources and describing journalistic practices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wire service" is a common term referring to a news agency that provides syndicated content to various media outlets. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use in news and media contexts. When using this term, ensure accurate attribution and avoid confusing it with direct reporting. Alternatives like "news agency" or "press association" can be used for variety, though "a wire service" remains the most specific and widely recognized term in journalistic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

news agency

Replaces the term "wire service" with a more generic term for a news-gathering organization.

press agency

Similar to news agency, but with a slightly more formal tone.

news source

Highlights the role of a wire service as a primary source of news.

press association

Focuses on the collaborative aspect of news gathering and distribution.

news syndicate

Highlights the distribution of news to multiple outlets.

reporting service

Emphasizes the act of reporting and providing news.

news distributor

Focuses on the distribution aspect of a wire service's function.

information provider

Broadens the scope to include any entity that supplies information, not just news.

information bureau

Suggests a formal organization dedicated to gathering and disseminating information.

media outlet

Refers to any organization that disseminates news, including wire services.

FAQs

How do I properly credit information obtained from "a wire service"?

When using information from a wire service, clearly attribute the original reporting to the specific wire service (e.g., Associated Press, Reuters) in your article or broadcast.

What's the difference between "a wire service" and a news organization?

A wire service is an organization that gathers news and distributes it to other news organizations. A news organization typically conducts its own original reporting, though it may also use content from wire services. Consider "news agency" as a synonym.

When is it appropriate to use information from "a wire service"?

It's appropriate to use information from a wire service when you need to cover a wide range of news quickly or when you lack the resources for original reporting on a particular event. Always verify critical information independently when possible.

What are some examples of "a wire service"?

Examples include the Associated Press (AP), Reuters, and Agence France-Presse (AFP). These organizations provide news coverage to media outlets worldwide.