determine the source of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "determine the source of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to identify the origin or cause of something, such as information, a problem, or an event. Example: "The team was tasked to determine the source of the data discrepancies in the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He said investigators were trying to determine the source of the clenbuterol.

The New York Times - Sports

He began to look around to determine the source of the music.

The New Yorker

A high-level investigation was begun to determine the source of the leak.

The New York Times

He warned that it would take months to determine the source of the attacks.

The Guardian

Hernandez will have tests in an attempt to determine the source of his back spasms...

The New York Times - Sports

The scientists also could not determine the source of the feed for the animals.

The New York Times

No tests have been carried out yet to determine the source of the lead.

The New York Times - Science

The Drug Enforcement Administration is helping try to determine the source of the drugs.

The Guardian

She then returned to the scene, where she tried to help determine the source of the gunfire.

The New York Times

The police and members of emergency units were treating students and trying to determine the source of the fumes.

The New York Times

Work has already started in New Jersey to try to determine the source of the anthrax sent to NBC.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "determine the source of", ensure that your sentence clearly indicates what you are trying to find the source of. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "determine the source of" in contexts where a simpler phrase like "find the cause of" would suffice. Overly formal language can sometimes obscure meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determine the source of" functions as a verb phrase, typically used transitively. It indicates the action of discovering or establishing the origin or cause of something. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, from investigations to scientific research.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "determine the source of" is a versatile expression used to convey the act of identifying the origin or cause of something. As evidenced by Ludwig, it frequently appears in news reports, scientific studies, and formal business communications. The phrase is considered grammatically correct and very common, suitable for various contexts but particularly effective when conveying a sense of investigation or analysis. Alternative phrases like "establish the source of" or "identify the source of" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember to use it clearly and concisely, avoiding overuse in simple contexts to maintain effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determine the origin of

Replaces "source" with "origin", maintaining nearly identical meaning.

identify the source of

Uses "identify" as a direct synonym for "determine", keeping the meaning consistent.

ascertain the source of

Replaces "determine" with "ascertain", indicating a more rigorous investigation.

establish the source of

Focuses on confirming the origin, suggesting a higher degree of certainty.

determine the sourcing of

Emphasizes the process of finding the source, particularly in a supply chain context.

delineate the source of

Suggests a more precise and detailed identification of the source.

calculate the source of

Implies a quantitative approach to finding the source.

discuss the source of

Shifts the focus to a conversation or analysis about the source.

determine the supply of

Highlights the act of identifying the origin from which things are furnished.

determine the information of

Highlights the act of identifying the origin from which information is furnished.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "determine the source of"?

You can use alternatives like "establish the source of", "identify the source of", or "ascertain the source of" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "determine the source of" or "determine the origin of"?

Both "determine the source of" and "determine the origin of" are correct and nearly interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, although "determine the origin of" might be preferred when discussing abstract concepts.

How do I use "determine the source of" in a sentence?

Use "determine the source of" when you want to express the action of finding out where something comes from. For example, "Investigators are working to determine the source of the leak".

What's the difference between "determine the source of" and "identify the source of"?

While similar, "determine the source of" often implies a process of investigation or analysis, whereas "identify the source of" suggests a more straightforward recognition of the source.