initial source of information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial source of information" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the first point of reference or origin for obtaining information on a particular topic. Example: "The initial source of information for this research was a government report published in 2020."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Table 1 Summary of types of people involved in SCALE-UP initiation   Initial source of information (N = 21) Team creator (out of 14 institutions with teams) Team composition (out of 14 institutions with teams) Faculty 11 4 14 Administrator 7 7 10  University-level 4 5 8  Department chair 3 2 2 Faculty development staff 2 1 4 Non-instructional staff – – 3 Unknown 1 2 –.

International Journal of STEM Education

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

The Guardian

As one component in a comprehensive assessment of adolescent mental health it can serve the professional as an initial source of information.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Web sites describing residency programs are initial sources of information for applicants.

The Journal of Pediatrics

News reports collected using the GPHIN were the most important initial sources of information, providing 36% (63/176) of all initial signals (Appendix Table).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

MED provided initial source of inoculum.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The Net also became a primary source of information during the initial SARS outbreak.

The New York Times

ReliefWeb was the major source of information for the initial 11 disasters analyzed.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

A second source of information for constructing the initial programme theory is relevant theories and current knowledge, such as findings from evaluations of similar interventions.

BMC Public Health

The district nurses and staff of the local Health Centre proved a valuable source of information tracking down each one of the members of the initial population.

BMC Public Health

"It's a source of information.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "initial source of information", ensure you clearly define what that source is, especially in academic or research contexts, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid basing critical decisions or analyses solely on the "initial source of information". Always cross-reference with other sources to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial source of information" functions as a noun phrase identifying the origin or starting point of data or knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It generally serves to specify where information was first obtained.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial source of information" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote the starting point for data or knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid expression in English. While not exceedingly common, it finds its primary use in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the source is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "primary source of information" or "original source of information" may suit more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

original information source

Swaps 'initial' for 'original', emphasizing the origin or start, which maintains a high degree of similarity.

primary information source

Replacing 'initial' with 'primary' highlights the main or most important starting point, retaining close semantic equivalence.

first point of information

This alternative focuses on the temporal aspect of being the first point where information is accessed.

starting reference point

This phrase uses 'reference point' to denote a source and 'starting' to show that it is the initial one.

preliminary data source

By using the word 'preliminary' instead of 'initial' and 'data' instead of 'information', it suggests the early stages of data gathering.

earliest information resource

Using 'earliest' stresses the time aspect, while 'resource' is a broader term than 'source'.

initial data origin

Focuses on the origination of data, rather than a general source of information.

inception of knowledge

More metaphorical, referring to the start of understanding or learning about something.

root of information

Implies the fundamental or foundational origin of the information, which is a bit less direct than the initial access point.

pioneer information

This alternative shifts the focus to information that is groundbreaking or innovative and not necessarily the beginning.

FAQs

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

Consider using phrases like "primary source of information" or "original source of information" for a more formal tone. These options maintain a professional and academic feel.

How can I cite an "initial source of information" correctly in academic writing?

Always provide a complete citation, including author, title, publication date, and URL (if applicable). This ensures transparency and gives credit to the "original source of information".

What can I say instead of "initial source of information"?

You can use alternatives like "first point of information", "starting reference point", or "primary information source" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "initial source of information" in informal writing?

Yes, "initial source of information" is acceptable in informal writing. However, simpler alternatives like "where I first heard about it" might be more appropriate.