as a primary source of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a primary source of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the main origin or basis of information, data, or resources in a particular context. Example: "The library serves as a primary source of historical documents for researchers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There are drawbacks, though, to relying on the generators as a primary source of power.

The New York Times

Sixteen to twenty-four year olds use social media as a primary source of science information.

The Guardian

For many of her readers, Ms. Finke's Web site has supplanted traditional media as a primary source of strike news.

The New York Times

If China could replace coal with oil as a primary source of energy, emissions would drop by one third.

The New York Times

Jean Vendome names René Lalique, the Art Nouveau jewelry designer and glass master, as a primary source of inspiration.

The New York Times

Google, with its instant access to factoids of dubious veracity, is singled out as a primary source of the malaise.

The Economist

And it is worth pointing out that they serve as a primary source of information for many viewers.

The New York Times

MODERN musicians know better than to rely on selling copies of their tunes as a primary source of income.

The Economist

Jones' piece also overlooks the artists already using video games, both as a primary source of inspiration, and an artistic medium.

The Guardian - Tech

Only in the last couple of years has OMA been able to rely on architectural design, along with urban planning, as a primary source of income.

The New York Times - Magazine

Manufacturing showed steady growth from the mid-19th to the late 20th century, during which time it emerged as a primary source of income for the state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a primary source of", ensure that the source you are referring to is indeed the main or most important origin, rather than just one of many sources. This strengthens the accuracy and impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "as a primary source of" when the source is only one of several equally important contributors. Using language that accurately reflects the source's significance will improve your writing's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a primary source of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or noun phrase. It identifies the main origin, basis, or resource for something. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a primary source of" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to identify the main origin or basis of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and academic writing, indicating a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the source genuinely represents the main origin rather than just one of many contributors. While alternatives exist, such as "as a main source of" or "as a key resource for", the core meaning remains consistent: to pinpoint the principal origin or foundation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a main origin of

Emphasizes the origin aspect, replacing 'primary' with 'main' to highlight the fundamental nature of the source.

as a key resource for

Highlights the 'resource' aspect, suggesting the subject is essential or very important.

as a principal foundation for

Stresses the foundational aspect, indicating the subject acts as a groundwork for something else.

as a fundamental basis of

Underscores the basic or underlying nature of the subject.

as a leading generator of

Focuses on the generative aspect, portraying the subject as a creator or producer of something.

as a chief provider of

Emphasizes the provision aspect, implying the subject is a major supplier of something.

as a foremost contributor to

Highlights the subject's significant contribution to something else.

as a central component of

Highlights the importance as being a constituent element.

as an essential element in

Stresses the indispensable nature of the subject in relation to something else.

as a critical input for

Emphasizes the input aspect, indicating the subject is vital for a process or system.

FAQs

How can I use "as a primary source of" in a sentence?

You can use "as a primary source of" to indicate the main origin or basis of something, such as "The library serves as a primary source of historical documents for researchers."

What are some alternatives to "as a primary source of"?

Alternatives include "as a main source of", "as a key resource for", or "as a principal foundation for", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "as a primary source of" in formal writing?

Yes, "as a primary source of" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic, scientific, or business contexts where precision and clarity are important.

What's the difference between "as a primary source of" and "as a secondary source of"?

"As a primary source of" indicates the original or main origin, while "as a secondary source of" implies the information is derived from another source, interpreting or analyzing the primary source.