had a source of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had a source of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the origin or provider of something, such as information, support, or resources. Example: "The researcher had a source of reliable data that supported her findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Gilligan had a source of sorts: Kelly.

The Guardian

"It's only there because it had a source of fresh water for the railroad," Bragg notes.

The Guardian - Music

There's a good chance that if you had a source of income last year, you'll have it this year.

The Guardian - Money

And the sun being almost completely eclipsed meant that we had a source of illumination which was more like a point source than a big, diffuse source.

The Guardian

Rukia, with his love of law and order, could never keep out of anyone else's business, while Matagubya had a source of banana beer.

The Guardian

If the Yankees had a source of angst through their serene beginnings, it was the sight of Vazquez being battered around in his first two starts.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Do we have a source of infection?" I asked.

The New Yorker

He doesn't have a source of income now.

The New York Times

That is to say, Rose will always have a source of income.

The New York Times - Sports

They have a source of propulsion and can be controlled in all three axes of flight.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Because now you have a source of pluripotent cells that doesn't require the problematic destruction of a human embryo".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had a source of", ensure that the type of source is clearly specified to provide context and clarity to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "had a source of" without specifying the nature of the source. For instance, instead of saying "they had a source of information", specify "they had a source of reliable data" or "they had a source of expert opinion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had a source of" functions as a verb phrase indicating possession or access to something that serves as an origin, provider, or supply. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it connects a subject to the origin of a resource or piece of information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had a source of" is grammatically sound and commonly used across a variety of contexts to indicate possession of or access to an origin or provider. As Ludwig AI specifies, this correct and versatile phrase finds application in domains ranging from science and news to everyday communication. To ensure clarity, specify the type of source, whether it be information, resources, or support, when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possessed an origin of

Replaces "source" with "origin", emphasizing the starting point or beginning.

maintained a provider of

Substitutes "source" with "provider", highlighting the ongoing support or supply aspect.

benefited from a supply of

Focuses on the positive outcome of having a source, emphasizing the benefits received.

derived from an origin of

Emphasizes the act of obtaining or receiving something from a particular source.

utilized an avenue of

Highlights the means or channel through which something is obtained.

accessed a channel for

Focuses on the ability to get something, using "channel" to suggest a route or pathway.

counted on a resource for

Emphasizes reliance on a particular source for support or assistance.

relied on a fountain of

Uses "fountain" metaphorically to suggest an abundant and continuous source.

drew from a wellspring of

Uses "wellspring" to evoke a natural and plentiful source of something.

obtained via a means of

Highlights the method or way in which something was acquired from the source.

FAQs

How can I use "had a source of" in a sentence?

Use "had a source of" to indicate possession or access to something that provides what is needed. For example, "The company had a source of funding for its new project."

What can I say instead of "had a source of"?

You can use alternatives like "possessed an origin of", "maintained a provider of", or "benefited from a supply of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "had a source for" instead of "had a source of"?

While "had a source for" isn't grammatically incorrect, "had a source of" is more commonly used when referring to the origin or provider of something. "Had a source for" might be used when indicating a reason or justification for something.

What's the difference between "had a source of" and "had access to"?

"Had a source of" implies possession of an origin or provider, while "had access to" indicates the ability to obtain or use something, regardless of direct ownership. The former is a more direct statement of origin.