ask for the source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for the source" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to provide the origin or reference of information or a claim. Example: "If you're unsure about the accuracy of that statistic, it's always a good idea to ask for the source."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Note, though, that it will reject PS or PDF files created using TeX/LaTeX and ask for the source files.

Stanford University

There is a lawyer in the state who got the idea we should ask for the source codes for these machines, which are software updates that from time to time the manufacturer sends out.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Gingerly stepping over holes in the floorboards while ducking under exposed electrical wiring dangling from the ceiling, Mr. Dixon points to a threadbare carpet on the floor when asked for the source of the dank smell filling the home.

The New York Times

The VP called my engineer directly and asked for the source code.

Forbes

By not having restrictions on usage, GPLv2 doesn't restrict anything like that it just asks for the source code.

Forbes

"We've seen numerous builders, developers and founders asking for the source code to whatever apps they build.

TechCrunch

When I woke up this morning and plugged my phone in, I saw a lot of Tweets about the documents and people asking for the source.

Forbes

tawse57, when I asked about your source, I was asking for the source of your claim that CO2 levels were higher in the last few million years (when humans evolved).

BBC

As several cellular mechanisms result in the production of ROS [ 41, 42], we asked for the source of ROS.

Bioscience Reports

So I did what anyone faced with questionable scientific claims should do: I asked for the sources.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, a system modified from the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Methods Guide for Comparative Effectiveness Reviews was used, which asked for the sources of possible bias [7].

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating information, especially in academic or journalistic contexts, always "ask for the source" to verify its credibility and accuracy.

Common error

Don't accept information at face value. Always "ask for the source" to ensure the information is trustworthy and not based on speculation or misinformation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for the source" functions as a request for information. It's typically used to seek validation or verification of a claim or statement, as shown in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask for the source" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, primarily functioning as a request for information to verify the credibility of a statement. Ludwig AI affirms its validity. It is most frequently used in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. When writing, it is advisable to "ask for the source" to confirm the reliability of the information presented and to avoid accepting claims at face value. Alternative phrases include "request the origin" or "inquire about the reference", providing more formal options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request the origin

Changes the verb to "request" emphasizing a formal solicitation of the source.

inquire about the reference

Uses "inquire" to denote a formal questioning and "reference" to point to the material cited.

demand the source

Emphasizes a strong insistence on revealing the origin.

seek the source

Highlights the active pursuit of discovering the origin of information.

investigate the origin

Shifts the focus to a detailed examination to determine the starting point.

verify the source

Focuses on confirming the authenticity and reliability of the origin.

determine the origin

Emphasizes the act of finding out or establishing where something comes from.

ascertain the reference

Uses "ascertain" to suggest a careful and deliberate effort to find out the reference.

find the primary source

Focuses on locating the original or first-hand account or document.

request substantiation

Changes the focus to the need for evidence that supports a claim.

FAQs

How can I use "ask for the source" in a sentence?

You can use "ask for the source" when you want someone to provide the origin or reference of information or a claim. For example, "If you're unsure about the accuracy of that statistic, it's always a good idea to ask for the source".

What's a more formal way to "ask for the source"?

For a more formal approach, you could "request the origin" or "inquire about the reference".

Why is it important to "ask for the source"?

Asking for the source helps you verify the accuracy and credibility of information, ensuring that it's based on reliable evidence and not just speculation or misinformation.

When is it appropriate to "ask for the source"?

It's appropriate to "ask for the source" whenever you encounter information that seems questionable, unsubstantiated, or requires further verification, especially in academic, journalistic, or professional contexts.