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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
data source
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"data source" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use the phrase "data source" to refer to the original location of a particular piece of data, such as a file or database. For example, "I found the sales figures I was looking for in the company's main data source."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(18)
source of information
evidence base
primary data
reference source
techniques for sourcing information
methods for gathering information
information source
feed resource
source of data
data provider
point of data collection
completion of data collection
src value
source location
origin point
reference point
content supplier
content provider
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Chart data source: eMarketer.
News & Media
Crowdsourcing can be a data source.
News & Media
Data source: U.S. National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center.
Encyclopedias
As such, audience panels are now just one data source.
News & Media
Data source: IBTrACS.
Science & Research
Data Source: Bridge Information Systems.
News & Media
Data source: FuelEconomy.gov.gov
News & Media
Data source: Standard & Poor's Fund Services.
News & Media
Data source selection; (c).
Science
Data source: DANE-GEIH.
Science
Demographic data source: ISTAT.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When citing a "data source", be as specific as possible. Include the name of the organization or database, and the date the data was accessed.
Common error
Avoid simply stating "various sources" or "online data". Always identify the specific "data source" to maintain credibility and allow for verification.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "data source" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying the origin or location from which data is obtained. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent and grammatically correct usage in various contexts.
Frequent in
Science
51%
News & Media
26%
Formal & Business
5%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
2%
Wiki
2%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "data source" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote the origin of data. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and appropriate across a range of contexts. Its high frequency in scientific, news, and business domains reflects its importance in providing transparency and credibility when presenting information. When writing, it is important to identify the "data source" as precisely as possible to allow readers to verify the information. Alternatives such as "source of information" or "data origin" can be used depending on context, though "data source" is generally preferred for its directness and clarity.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
source of information
A more general term, emphasizing the information's origin.
data origin
Slightly more formal and emphasizes the beginning or creation point of the data.
information origin
Focuses on the origin of the information itself, rather than the specific source.
records source
Similar to data source, but specifically refers to records.
database origin
Points specifically to the database where the information is stored and from which it comes.
reporting source
Highlights the entity or system responsible for providing the data.
primary data
Emphasizes data collected directly from the original source.
evidence base
Implies a collection of evidence used to support a claim, with a stronger emphasis on support than origin.
reference source
Implies a source that is used for verification or further information.
dataset
Refers to a collection of related data, may or may not imply the origination of the data.
FAQs
How do I properly cite a "data source" in academic writing?
In academic writing, always provide a clear and complete citation for your "data source". This typically includes the author or organization, the title of the dataset or publication, the date of publication or access, and the URL or DOI if available.
What are some alternatives to saying "data source"?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "source of information", "data origin", or "evidence base".
Is it necessary to include the "data source" in a report?
Yes, including the "data source" is crucial for transparency and credibility. It allows readers to verify your findings and assess the reliability of your information. Omitting the "data source" can raise concerns about the validity of your report.
What is the difference between "data source" and "dataset"?
A "data source" refers to the origin from which the data is obtained, while a "dataset" is a collection of data points. A dataset can be the data source, but the term "data source" emphasizes the origination point rather than the collection itself.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested