information source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "information source" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person, document, or medium that provides information on a particular topic. Example: "The article cited several reputable information sources to support its claims about climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's another information source.

The New York Times

First, there's Twitter as information source.

MIT Technology Review

Still, I can't find a definitive information source that helps.

University of California, Berkeley

The architecture is connected to a real-time information source.

Tsinghua Science & Technology

In 2007, with a partner, he launched the Venture Hacks blog, an information source for entrepreneurs.

The New Yorker

PropertyShark still has my vote for the most useful information source on New York.

The New York Times

Radio, in this situation, comes into its own, but it's not just an information source.

The Guardian - Opinion

He felt compelled to become an information source for the families and the injured.

The New York Times

Millions in the street were left with rumors -- not the best information source.

The New York Times

The site is more than just an information source, Mr. Fisher said.

The New York Times

Then iBias Liberal is definitely the customized information source for you.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "information source", be specific about the type of source if relevant (e.g., "scientific journal", "government report", "expert interview"). This adds clarity and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "information source" without providing context or specifics. Saying "according to an information source" without identifying the source weakens the impact of your statement. Always aim for transparency and specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "information source" functions as a noun phrase, identifying the origin or provider of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and commonly used term in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "information source" is a versatile and widely used noun phrase that identifies the origin of information. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. The phrase's high frequency and varied usage underscore its importance in conveying where information originates. While alternatives like "data source" or "knowledge base" offer more specific connotations, "information source" remains a reliable and readily understood term for general use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Informational resource

Highlights the value and availability of the source.

Data source

Focuses specifically on the origin of data, often in a technical or analytical context.

Source of data

Focuses on the origin from which data is derived.

Knowledge base

Refers to a structured collection of information, often in a digital format.

News source

Highlights the provision of current events and news.

Source of intelligence

Refers to the origin of gathered intelligence, often in espionage or strategic contexts.

Primary source

Indicates an original or first-hand account of information.

Reference material

Emphasizes the use of the source for looking up facts or details.

Secondary source

Indicates a resource that interprets or analyzes primary sources.

Reporting channel

Highlights the means through which information is communicated or reported.

FAQs

How do I properly cite an "information source" in academic writing?

The method of citation depends on the style guide you're using (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.). Generally, include the author, title, publication date, and source details. Be consistent in your citation format throughout the document.

What's the difference between an "information source" and a "data source"?

While related, an "information source" is broader and encompasses any provider of information, while a "data source" specifically refers to the origin of data, often in a structured format.

What can I say instead of "information source" to sound more formal?

Consider using terms like "reference material", "knowledge base", or "informational resource" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "reliable information source"?

While "reliable" can be implied, using "reliable information source" emphasizes the trustworthiness of the source, which can be useful in contexts where credibility is crucial.