as a source for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a source for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that provides information, inspiration, or material for a particular purpose. Example: "The article served as a source for my research on climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Religion is emptying out as a source for art.

The New York Times - Arts

The river is primarily important as a source for hydroelectricity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its skin has been valued as a source for leather.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cloning research would require the routine production of embryos solely as a source for experimentation.

The New York Times

Inspired, Escher used this figure as a source for his series of "Circle Limit" etchings.

The New York Times

Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks were not used as a source for a production.

The New York Times - Travel

Philbrick is proving increasingly popular as a source for Hollywood producers.

The Guardian - Film

"This makes Russia the most important country as a source for adoptions.

The New York Times

We use much of it as a source for oil and natural gas.

The New York Times

However, this work has severe limitations as a source for religious history.

Encyclopedia Britannica

China would also benefit from shifting from exports to internal consumption as a source for growth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that the phrase implies a direct relationship between the source and the derived element; use it when this connection is explicit.

Common error

Be specific when identifying the source. Avoid generalizations like "research" or "studies" without proper citation or specific reference to the origin of the information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a source for" functions as a prepositional phrase. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, showing it connects a subject to its origin or where it is derived from. It helps to specify where something comes from or what provides a particular thing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

28%

News & Media

23%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a source for" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate the origin or derivation of something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in science, news, encyclopedias, and formal business settings. It's essential to be specific when using the phrase to clearly identify the source and what is being sourced, and to avoid overuse by varying your language with synonyms. The phrase enjoys a high expert rating due to its grammatical correctness and widespread usage in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a basis for

Emphasizes the foundational aspect, focusing on how something provides a starting point.

as a resource for

Highlights the availability and utility of something to be used when needed.

in order to obtain

Focuses on the action of getting something from the identified source.

deriving from

Highlights the origin or where something comes from.

originating from

Specifically pinpoints the place or cause from which something begins.

serving to provide

Highlights functionality, emphasizing the act of supplying or making available.

functioning as the origin of

Focuses on the original supply.

being the origin of

Simple rephrasing of the core meaning around origination.

drawing from

Highlights the act of extraction or utilization from a base.

tapping into

Emphasizes utilizing something for a purpose, often implying access to a hidden or underused resource.

FAQs

How can I use "as a source for" in a sentence?

Use "as a source for" to indicate where something originates or is derived from. For instance, "The library served as a source for historical documents".

What are some alternatives to using "as a source for"?

Alternatives include "as a basis for", "as a resource for", or "deriving from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "as a source for" repeatedly in the same text?

Yes, overuse can make your writing repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "originating from" or rephrasing sentences to emphasize the derivation process.

What's the difference between "as a source for" and "as a result of"?

"As a source for" indicates origin, while "as a result of" indicates consequence. "The study served as a source for new data" versus "The experiment failed as a result of human error".