fount of knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fount of knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person or source that provides a wealth of information or wisdom. Example: "The professor was regarded as a fount of knowledge in the field of ancient history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Mr. Ballard, a fount of knowledge about the town, first took me by the chapel.

The New York Times - Travel

Ian was a fount of knowledge about the town's history, and he seemed to know everybody we passed.

The Guardian - Travel

Thankfully, the world wide web now gives us access to a previously untapped fount of knowledge: the Random Nameless Stranger.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Helen is a fount of knowledge, having been in the art world at least 20-odd years longer than me.

Independent

The brainchild of a young blues enthusiast called Roger Stolle, it's a shop where you can buy arcane blues recordings and discover who's playing where that night: Stolle is a fount of knowledge about juke joint one-offs and upcoming gigs.

Independent

For some it is a fount of knowledge and others a fount of porn.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

From all quarters came students eager to drink at its founts of knowledge.

The New Yorker

Elders were not the founts of knowledge on a life lived perfectly that I had imagined.

Huffington Post

The conference offered over 60 farm-related seminars given by an array of presenters from around the country, some crusty, some shy, but all founts of knowledge in their specialties.

Huffington Post

Johnson, fount of all knowledge on the art of song, spoke a few words of introduction.

The Guardian - Music

I was always a fount of useless knowledge about Brooklyn; now it's not so useless.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fount of knowledge" when you want to emphasize that someone or something is an abundant and seemingly inexhaustible source of information. It adds a slightly elevated, literary tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "fount of knowledge" in overly casual contexts where a simpler term like "source of information" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a degree of formality and can sound out of place in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fount of knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a person or thing as a source of extensive knowledge or wisdom. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fount of knowledge" is a noun phrase used to describe someone or something that is a rich and abundant source of information. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, though its slightly formal tone makes it more suitable for certain contexts. The phrase appears most often in news and media sources and while it suggests a plentiful and reliable source of information, it can be replaced with alternatives like "wellspring of knowledge" or "source of wisdom" depending on the specific context. When using the phrase, be mindful of its somewhat elevated tone and ensure it aligns with the overall style of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

font of knowledge

A simple variation using the word "font", which is often interchangeable with "fount".

wellspring of knowledge

Replaces "fount" with "wellspring", emphasizing a continuous and abundant source.

repository of knowledge

Emphasizes the storage and accumulation aspect of knowledge.

storehouse of information

Focuses on the extensive quantity of information held.

source of wisdom

Shifts the focus from simple knowledge to deeper understanding and insight.

mine of information

Suggests that knowledge is something to be extracted or discovered.

treasure trove of knowledge

Highlights the precious and valuable nature of the knowledge.

encyclopedia of information

Implies a comprehensive and organized body of knowledge.

authority on the subject

Focuses on the expertise and credibility of the knowledge source.

expert in the field

Highlights the specialized knowledge and skill in a particular area.

FAQs

How can I use "fount of knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "fount of knowledge" to describe a person or resource that provides a wealth of information on a particular subject. For example: "The librarian was a "fount of knowledge" about local history".

What is a similar expression to "fount of knowledge"?

Alternatives to "fount of knowledge" include "wellspring of knowledge", "source of wisdom", or "mine of information". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "fount of knowledge" a formal or informal expression?

"Fount of knowledge" is generally considered a slightly formal expression. While understandable in most contexts, it is best suited for writing or speaking where a more elevated tone is appropriate. Simpler terms like "source of information" may be preferable in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "fount of knowledge" and "source of information"?

While both phrases refer to a provider of information, "fount of knowledge" suggests a more abundant, reliable, and perhaps even profound source. "Source of information" is a more neutral and general term.