initial source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial source" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the first or primary origin of information, data, or materials in a given context. Example: "In our research, we must always cite the initial source of the data to maintain credibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

These were based on initial source water vulnerability assessments.

The Guardian

The one spa-type found belonged to CC398, indicating an initial source in livestock.

Plosone

As the rumor is spread, even if someone is 12 times removed from the initial source, they will stand behind it with as much authority as the initiator".

Vice

As the rumour is spread, even if someone is 12 times removed from the initial source, they will stand behind it with as much authority as the initiator".

Vice

It also confirmed that the initial source was correct.

The Guardian

Social media can be a useful, initial source of information.

The Guardian

With jobs, credit and confidence all tenuous, the problem is reverberating back to the initial source of trouble: real estate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

An optional second integer argument > 0 specifies the initial source pickle buffer size in bytes.

Yale University

Under the revised plan, an initial source-to-database audit would be performed for each site upon reaching 20% 30% of expected enrollment.

Plosone

For one, the head shops that were my initial source charge exorbitant prices.

Forbes

One initial source of funding – in the region of £300,000 – has come from Clive Cowdery, the millionaire insurance broker and philanthropist.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify the type of "initial source" you're referring to (e.g., "initial data source", "initial infection source") rather than relying solely on the generic term.

Common error

Avoid using "initial source" when you actually mean the ultimate or underlying reason for something. "Initial source" refers to the starting point, not necessarily the deepest cause. For example, saying "The initial source of the problem was a faulty sensor" is about where the problem started, not necessarily why the sensor failed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial source" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies the origin or starting point of something, whether it's information, a problem, or a resource. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

37%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial source" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that refers to the origin or starting point of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use. It is particularly common in scientific and news contexts and can be used in various registers, from neutral to formal. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the origin and differentiate it from the ultimate cause to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "original source" or "primary source" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

original source

Replaces "initial" with "original", emphasizing the primary and unaltered state of the source.

primary source

Substitutes "initial" with "primary", highlighting the source's importance or precedence.

original resource

Changes "source" to "resource", focusing on the origin as a supply or support.

starting point

Replaces the entire phrase with a more general term for the beginning of something.

point of origin

Emphasizes the place or moment from which something begins or originates.

root cause

Shifts the focus to the fundamental cause that initiates a chain of events.

first cause

Highlights the first event or entity responsible for a particular outcome.

inception point

Focuses on the moment or stage at which something begins or commences.

genesis

A more formal and concise term referring to the origin or beginning.

incipience

Focuses on the very beginning stage of something; a more academic alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "initial source" in a sentence?

You can use "initial source" to refer to the origin of something, as in, "The popular media are commonly the "initial source of medical research news" or "The "initial source of CO2 is rainfall".

What is a good alternative to "initial source"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "original source", "primary source", or "starting point".

Is there a difference between "initial source" and "primary source"?

While both terms are similar, "initial source" emphasizes the beginning or origin, while "primary source" emphasizes importance or authority. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.

Can "initial source" refer to people or only things?

"Initial source" can refer to both people and things, depending on the context. For example, it could refer to the person who started a rumor or the place where a disease originated.