an indispensable source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an indispensable source" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is essential or crucial for obtaining information or resources. Example: "The library is an indispensable source of knowledge for students and researchers alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

He called Garber's an indispensable source of fixtures for the historic brownstone he owns nearby.

The New York Times

The Tone River is an indispensable source of water for irrigation throughout its populous drainage basin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

— Paul, New Jersey A. The Times is an indispensable source of quality information.

The New York Times

Accounting for almost 40 percent of the world's vegetable oils, it is an indispensable source of vitamins and calories.

The New York Times

As jobs in the professoriate have disappeared, graduate students have become an indispensable source of labor, without whom undergraduates simply could not be taught.

The New Yorker

(It's distributed here by dGenerate Films, an indispensable source for contemporary Chinese independent films as well as for information about the film, the filmmaker, and his recent travails).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

However, in the absence of unequivocal epidemiological data, results from animal experimentation are an important and indispensable source of information.

BMC Cancer

A crucial and indispensable source of news and information, absolutely.

The New York Times

A disused stone quarry, the indispensable source of a rare configuration of sandstone swirls, had to be restored to working order.

The Economist

BBC Persian has become an indispensable news source, doubling its audience in Iran since 2009 to 6m and now reaching as many as one in ten Iranian viewers.The Dubai-based Farsi 1 titillates with dubbed versions of steamy foreign soap operas.

The Economist

Fish is an indispensable reliable source of nutrients, as aquaculture is a sector that is fast growing and which provides 50% of the world's fish production.

International Aquatic Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an indispensable source", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the source so critical. Providing specific examples of its importance will strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "an indispensable source" when the source is merely helpful or convenient. Reserve it for situations where the information or resource is genuinely irreplaceable or fundamentally necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an indispensable source" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object, defining something as being absolutely necessary or crucial. Ludwig AI's examples confirm its role in attributing significance to various entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an indispensable source" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase for describing something critical and irreplaceable. Ludwig AI highlights its common usage across diverse fields, with a high frequency in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, make sure the context clearly explains why the source is so important, and avoid overusing it for sources that are merely helpful. Consider alternatives like "a vital resource" or "a critical resource" depending on the nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical resource

Replaces "indispensable" with "critical" and "source" with "resource", underlining the vital and available nature.

a vital resource

Replaces "indispensable" with "vital" and "source" with "resource", focusing on the importance and availability.

an essential asset

Substitutes "indispensable" with "essential" and "source" with "asset", highlighting the crucial and valuable nature.

a crucial component

Replaces "indispensable" with "crucial" and "source" with "component", emphasizing the necessary and integral part.

a key element

Substitutes "indispensable" with "key" and "source" with "element", indicating a fundamental and important aspect.

a fundamental basis

Replaces "indispensable" with "fundamental" and "source" with "basis", stressing the underlying and foundational nature.

a primary foundation

Substitutes "indispensable" with "primary" and "source" with "foundation", highlighting the core and supportive role.

a necessary ingredient

Replaces "indispensable" with "necessary" and "source" with "ingredient", emphasizing the required and contributing factor.

a requisite element

Substitutes "indispensable" with "requisite" and "source" with "element", indicating a mandatory and essential part.

a mainstay

Replaces the entire phrase with "a mainstay", which signifies a reliable and essential element.

FAQs

How can I use "an indispensable source" in a sentence?

You can use "an indispensable source" to describe something essential for obtaining information or resources. For example, "The library is "an indispensable source" of knowledge for students."

What are some alternatives to "an indispensable source"?

Alternatives include "a vital resource", "an essential asset", or "a critical resource", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "indispensable source" or "essential source"?

"Indispensable source" emphasizes the irreplaceable nature of the source, while "essential source" highlights its importance. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.

What makes a source truly "an indispensable source"?

A source is truly "an indispensable source" when its information or resources are unique, irreplaceable, and critical for achieving a specific goal or understanding a subject.