go back to source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go back to source" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it when referring to the original source of a particular piece of information. For example: "Before making any conclusions, it is important to go back to source and check the accuracy of the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

The phrase is used in News & Media to indicate returning to original materials or origins for information, verification, or inspiration.

It also appears in Science, related to algorithms that return to source nodes.

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

With information becoming out-of-date so rapidly, he finds it pays always to go back to source for the latest views and insights.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The new policy provides a gray area, allowing reporters to conduct background interviews and then (preferably but not always in the same interview session, and never as a prerequisite for the interview) go back to sources for approval to get some quotations on the record.

The New York Times

As I recall, it was during the late Clinton era and editors pushed us to go back to sources who spoke on background and get permission to use their names with specific quotes we were planning to use anyway but anonymously.

The New York Times

Random walk with restart (RWR) is a variant of the random walk and it mimics a walker that moves from a current node to a randomly selected adjacent node or goes back to source nodes with a back-probability (gamma in ) (0, 1).

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

RWR is a variant of the random walk [ 39] and it mimics a walker that moves from a current node to a randomly selected adjacent node or goes back to source nodes with a back-probability γ ∈ 0, 1).

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

"Since one of the original purposes of Lent was to save money to give to the poor," Father Martin said in a telephone interview, "doing positive works was a way of updating by going back to sources.

The New York Times

It goes back to sourcing and purchasing responsibly.

Forbes

With audiobooks we go back to the source".

The New York Times - Books

What were the attempts to go back to the source?

The New York Times

Or – let's go back to the source – Lynyrd Skynyrd or The Allman Brothers.

Independent

More politicians should go back to the source to explain what the law means.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative endeavors, "go back to source" for initial inspiration or a fresh perspective if the current work feels stale or derivative.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on summaries or interpretations; "go back to source" to form your own understanding and avoid perpetuating inaccuracies or biases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go back to source" functions as a directive, urging a return to the origin or primary point of something, typically for verification, clarification, or deeper understanding. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go back to source" is grammatically sound and serves as a directive to consult original materials for accuracy, clarity, or inspiration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its frequency is rare, appearing predominantly in news, media, and scientific contexts. To enhance writing, use "go back to source" to emphasize verification and deeper understanding while avoiding over-reliance on secondary interpretations. Related phrases include "revert to the origin" and "return to the root". As rememberd by Ludwig, this emphasize that the accuracy of the information is relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revert to the origin

Focuses on the act of returning to the very beginning or starting point.

return to the root

Emphasizes returning to the fundamental cause or basis of something.

refer to the original material

Highlights the act of consulting the initial documentation or source.

consult the primary resource

Stresses the importance of checking the main or most important source.

trace back to the genesis

Suggests a more thorough investigation to find the true origin.

revisit the foundation

Implies a need to re-examine the core principles or groundwork.

go to the starting point

A more literal way to express returning to the beginning of a process or idea.

check the initial data

Focuses on verifying the original figures or information.

get back to basics

Indicates a return to the fundamental principles or skills.

look at the original version

Emphasizes examining the first iteration or form of something.

FAQs

How can I use "go back to source" in a sentence?

You can use "go back to source" to emphasize the importance of verifying information from its origin. For example, "Before drawing conclusions, it's crucial to "go back to source" and analyze the original data."

What does it mean to "go back to source"?

"Go back to source" means to return to the original document, person, or place where information or an idea originated to gain a clearer understanding or verify accuracy. It is also possible to say "refer to the original material".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "go back to source"?

It is appropriate to use "go back to source" when you need to confirm the validity of information, gain a deeper understanding of a concept, or seek original inspiration. This could be in research, journalism, or creative projects, for instance.

What's the difference between "go back to source" and "do original research"?

"Go back to source" implies revisiting existing origins, while "do original research" involves creating completely new data or insights. You "consult the primary resource" in the first case and you create something new in the second case.