by outside sources

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by outside sources" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that information, data, or opinions are derived from external entities or references rather than from the primary source or the speaker's own knowledge. Example: "The report was compiled using data collected by outside sources to ensure a comprehensive analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Training should be sought by schools and provided by outside sources that have experience in tackling homophobic bullying.

The Guardian

However, fee remissions will not be paid to students as a refund if fees are being covered by outside sources.

University of California, Berkeley

But scientists have long recognized that carbon dating is subject to error because of a variety of factors, including contamination by outside sources of carbon.

The New York Times

The authority – which will consult on the plans – says events and exhibitions will not be held unless they can be fully funded by outside sources and it will look at the possibility of using volunteers to boost services.

The Guardian

In a statement, the 69-year-old Republican said he had "decided to terminate my relationship with Macy's because of the pressure being put on them by outside sources".

Independent

Mr. Orr classified Detroit's general obligation bonds into two groups — secured and unsecured — with the secured ones backed by outside sources of money, like state aid or federal block grants.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"We weren't intimidated by any outside sources," he said.

The New York Times

It is well known and has been validated by several outside sources, including the California Department of Education and Los Angeles County Office of Education in separate presentations to the district's Board of Education, that a portion of these savings is legally obligated to student programs.

Los Angeles Times

And perhaps most importantly, training dollars at the Watson School are clearly separated from research dollars: all PhD students are supported by fellowships from outside sources or by the School itself; they receive no funds from research grants obtained by principal investigators.

eLife

The court jumps over the case law concerning the stockholder franchise and instead holds that in these situations the ambiguity should be settled by looking to outside sources.

The New York Times

If that isn't available within the company, Bell says it may be a good idea to explore mentorship or consulting programs designed by and provided outside sources.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by outside sources", ensure it's clear what those sources are and why they are relevant or authoritative in the context.

Common error

Avoid using "by outside sources" without specifying the nature or credibility of those sources. Being specific enhances the validity and impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by outside sources" typically functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the origin or provider of something, often information, funding, or influence. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by outside sources" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to attribute the origin of something to external entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. While seen across different domains like news, academia, and science, it is relatively uncommon. When using this phrase, it's important to specify the nature and credibility of the sources to enhance clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "from external providers" or "derived from external resources" to better suit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

derived from external resources

Emphasizes the origin of something being obtained or created.

from external providers

Replaces "sources" with "providers", emphasizing the supplying aspect.

provided by external parties

Highlights the act of supplying by other entities.

supported by outside funding

Highlights financial support from external sources.

through external means

Shifts focus to the method rather than the origin.

via external entities

Uses a more formal term "entities" instead of "sources".

obtained from third-party sources

Uses a more legal or formal term for external entities.

funded by external entities

Specifically refers to financial backing from outside.

coming from external origins

Emphasizes the place or beginning of something.

influenced by external factors

Focuses on the impact from outside elements.

FAQs

How can I use "by outside sources" in a sentence?

You can use "by outside sources" to indicate that information, funding, or support comes from entities or references external to the main subject. For example: "The project was funded "by outside sources"."

What are some alternatives to "by outside sources"?

Alternatives include phrases like "from external providers", "through external means", or "derived from external resources", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "by outside sources" or "from outside sources"?

Both "by outside sources" and "from outside sources" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "by outside sources"?

It's appropriate when you need to indicate that something is provided, influenced, or derived from entities or references that are not internal or directly connected to the main subject.