authoritative source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "authoritative source" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It typically refers to a credible and trustworthy source of information, such as a scholarly article, government agency, or expert in a particular field. Example: According to an authoritative source, the new tax law will greatly benefit small businesses.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chappell is an authoritative source.

The Guardian - Sport

It quickly became the authoritative source for Mr. Stryker's projects.

The New York Times

Here's a list compiled from an authoritative source.

Harvard University

In an interview with NPR, he was described as "an authoritative source" on munitions in Syria.

The New Yorker

However, the US has no authoritative source of data on deaths involving police officers.

The Guardian

For me, though, it's worth having an authoritative source to backstop Wikipedia's occasionally specious entries.

The New York Times - Tech

The book soon became an authoritative source on industrial-era work associations.

Britannica

Awkwardly for Pfizer, the shortcoming in the company's strategy was pointed out by an authoritative source.

The Guardian - Business

"The authoritative source of information on multinational firms operating around the world.

Stanford University

The authoritative source on CQL query syntax supported currently by STREAM is available here.

Stanford University

This book is an insightful, authoritative source on workflow modeling and analysis.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When citing an "authoritative source", clearly identify the source by name and provide relevant credentials or context to reinforce its credibility.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on one "authoritative source". Cross-reference information with other reliable sources to ensure a balanced and comprehensive understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "authoritative source" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting a person, document, or institution recognized for its expertise and reliability. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

31%

News & Media

37%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "authoritative source" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that denotes a credible and trustworthy source of information. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is frequently found in academic, news, and scientific contexts. To enhance your writing, ensure that you identify the source clearly and avoid over-reliance on a single source. Alternatives such as "credible source" or "reliable source" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Using "authoritative source" effectively strengthens your argument by demonstrating that your claims are supported by reliable evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

credible source

Focuses on the believability and trustworthiness of the source.

reliable source

Highlights the dependability and consistency of the source.

trustworthy source

Emphasizes the quality of being worthy of trust and confidence.

definitive source

Suggests the source is the most complete and reliable on a topic.

leading authority

Implies the source is a recognized expert in the field.

expert source

Highlights the specialized knowledge and expertise of the source.

recognized authority

Emphasizes the widespread acknowledgement and acceptance of the source's expertise.

validated origin

Highlights the legitimacy and verification of the information's origin.

official source

Indicates the information comes from a formally recognized body.

well-regarded source

Suggests the source is held in high esteem by others.

FAQs

How can I use "authoritative source" in a sentence?

You can use "authoritative source" to refer to a source that is credible and trustworthy, for example: "According to an "authoritative source", the economy is expected to improve next year."

What are some alternatives to using "authoritative source"?

You can use alternatives like "credible source", "reliable source", or "trustworthy source" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "authoritative source" or "official source"?

The choice between "authoritative source" and "official source" depends on the context. "Authoritative source" implies a high degree of credibility and expertise, while "official source" indicates that the information comes from a formally recognized entity.

Why is it important to cite an "authoritative source"?

Citing an "authoritative source" adds weight to your argument, demonstrating that your claims are supported by credible evidence and expert knowledge. It enhances the trustworthiness and validity of your work.