its source was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "its source was" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the origin or origin point of something, such as information, data, or a quote. Example: "The report was thorough, and its source was a reputable academic journal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Medimmune already had an RSV drug, Respigam, on the market, but it was expensive (its source was human blood) and difficult to administer (it had to be given intravenously for several hours).

Forbes

Its source was in Paris, and it flowed in turn principally to Vienna, to London and thence to North America, submerging the German singspiel and its Scandinavian offshoots but leaving the Spanish zarzuela to cultivate its own regional idiom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its source was about 37 km (23 miles) from Rome.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its source was a 500-seat theater with blue and orange plastic seats, all empty.

The New York Times

(Its source was a photograph in a fifties French dance magazine).

The New Yorker

The first goal was stunning enough, but its source was more demoralizing for Chicago 5-4-1-0 5-4-1-0 5-4-1-0 5-4-1-0

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

It implicates that though its source is caprine but its activity is not species specific.

Plosone

Namely, since cffDNA is found in anembryonal pregnancies as well, it is thought that its source is syncytiotrophoblast [ 36].

Clinical Epigenetics

Yet while the light is portrayed as it might appear in nature, its source is not.

Wikipedia

It can be deadly, and identifying its source is difficult.

Huffington Post

Its source is in the Vosges Mountains in France, and it flows northeast to the Rhine at Koblenz.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "its source was", ensure that the subject and the source are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The painting's vibrant color palette suggested its source was the artist's travels in Morocco."

Common error

A common mistake is using "it's" (it is) instead of "its" (possessive). Remember that "its" indicates ownership or origin, while "it's" is a contraction. Example: Correct: Its source was unknown. Incorrect: It's source was unknown.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "its source was" functions as a linking phrase, attributing an origin or cause to a preceding noun or idea. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, this construction is commonly employed to provide context and establish the derivation of information or events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "its source was" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the origin or cause of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While variations like "it originated from" or "it stemmed from" offer similar meanings, ""its source was"" remains a direct and effective way to provide clarity and context. A key consideration is to ensure the correct use of "its" (possessive) versus "it's" (contraction of "it is").

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it originated from

Focuses on the place or thing from which something began or was created.

it derived from

Emphasizes how something developed or came about from an earlier form or source.

it stemmed from

Highlights the origin as a cause or reason for something else.

it arose from

Suggests something emerged or came into existence as a result of a particular source.

the origin of it was

Reorders the phrase to emphasize "the origin" as the subject.

it had its roots in

Implies a deeper, more fundamental origin or connection.

it was born out of

Suggests that something was created as a direct result of a specific situation or cause.

the basis for it was

Highlights the foundation or underlying principle upon which something is based.

it was attributable to

Indicates that something can be credited or assigned to a particular cause or source.

it traced back to

Focuses on finding the historical or developmental path leading to the source.

FAQs

How can I use "its source was" in a sentence?

Use "its source was" to indicate the origin or cause of something. For instance, "The information was reliable because "its source was" a peer-reviewed study".

What can I say instead of "its source was"?

You can use alternatives like "it originated from", "it derived from", or "it stemmed from" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "its source was" or "it's source was"?

"Its source was" is correct. "It's source was" is grammatically incorrect because "it's" is a contraction of "it is" and not the possessive form.

What's the difference between "its source was" and "the source of it was"?

"Its source was" is more concise and commonly used. "The source of it was" is grammatically correct but can sound more awkward or less direct.