fountain of information

USAGE SUMMARY

"fountain of information" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a source of knowledge or a person who is very knowledgeable. For example, "She's a fountain of information. She knows a lot on almost any topic you can think of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

McShane, who is NHS England's national director for people with long-term conditions, is a fountain of information and a regular on Twitter.

The Guardian

A fountain of information on Sikh history, he has lived in the temple compound since 2000, when the site was reopened after being closed since 1947.

The Washington Post

In casual conversations, Michael was a fountain of information on diverse topics, from linguistics, history, and international law to brain chemistry and the Linux kernel.

University of California, Berkeley

For visitors to the city it's a fountain of information and advice, but taxi driver William Dube says that for him the innocuous-looking building will always be associated with his torture at the hands of the police.

The Guardian

The answers he and colleagues received have turned into the largest and longest repeated follow-up study of a group of women, a fountain of information about health, in particular women's health.

The New York Times - Science

First of all, the data center is a fountain of information that should be directly in the hands of marketing in most companies that have a customer facing web presence.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I was a fountain of rushed information as I tried to give her every tip I've ever learned the hard way so that she wouldn't have to.

Huffington Post

Those friends-of-friends may turn out to be a great fountain of hitherto untapped information.

The New York Times

Fountain of truth?

The Economist

A new fountain of youth?

The New York Times - Food

A fountain of ideas.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fountain of information" when you want to emphasize the abundance and easy flow of knowledge from a particular source, whether it's a person, a book, or a database. For example, 'Our librarian is a "fountain of information" on local history.'

Common error

While "fountain of information" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. In such contexts, consider more precise and professional alternatives like "knowledgeable resource" or "expert in the field".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fountain of information" primarily functions as a noun phrase used to describe a person, place, or thing that is a rich source of knowledge. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a descriptive term highlighting the abundance of available information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fountain of information" serves as a descriptive noun phrase denoting a rich and abundant source of knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and readily usable. While common across various contexts, including news and media and academia, it's best used in neutral to informal settings. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "knowledgeable resource" or "expert in the field". The phrase's communicative purpose is to highlight the extensive knowledge and accessibility of a given source. While authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian use the phrase, understanding its nuances ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mine of information

Emphasizes the depth and richness of the information available, suggesting a valuable resource.

a wealth of knowledge

Focuses on the vast amount of knowledge possessed.

an encyclopedia of knowledge

Implies a comprehensive and organized collection of information.

a repository of facts

Highlights the storage aspect of information, like a container holding numerous facts.

a go-to source for information

Suggests reliability and accessibility as a primary resource.

a font of wisdom

Elevates the information to a level of profound understanding and insight.

an expert on the subject

Highlights the expertise and authority of the person.

a knowledgeable resource

Focuses on the person or thing being a dependable source of knowledge.

a walking encyclopedia

Similar to "encyclopedia of knowledge" but specifically refers to a person.

a cornucopia of data

Emphasizes the abundance and variety of data available.

FAQs

How can I use "fountain of information" in a sentence?

You can use "fountain of information" to describe someone or something that provides a lot of information. For instance, "The internet is a "fountain of information" for students" or "Our professor is a "fountain of information" on the subject".

What's a more formal way to say "fountain of information"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "knowledgeable resource", "expert source", or "authoritative source".

Can "fountain of information" be used sarcastically?

While primarily used positively, "fountain of information" could be used sarcastically if the source is known to spread misinformation or unreliable data. The tone would need to be evident through context.

Is it appropriate to call a website a "fountain of information"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to describe a website, database, or other digital resource as a "fountain of information", especially if it offers a vast and readily accessible collection of data.