main sources of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main sources of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the primary origins or contributors to a particular topic, issue, or phenomenon. Example: "The main sources of pollution in the city include industrial waste, vehicle emissions, and construction activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There are three main sources of concern.

The New York Times

There are three main sources of evidence.

The New York Times

The United States' main sources of funding are not allies.

The New Yorker

PetroChina has been one of Wison's main sources of revenue.

The New York Times

"We didn't remove the main sources of our financial instability".

The New York Times

Tourism and services are the main sources of income.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Our two main sources of income are our riskiest," she said.

The New York Times

One of the main sources of greenhouse gases is the home.

The New York Times

Barnes said there are three main sources of finance: grants or prizes, banks and venture capital.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Formerly salmon fishing & gold were the main sources of income.

The New Yorker

Today, broadly speaking, two main sources of independent films predominate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "main sources of", ensure you are referring to the most significant or primary contributors or origins, not just any sources. Be specific and clear about what these sources are.

Common error

Avoid using "main sources of" when you only have anecdotal evidence or limited data. Ensure your claims are backed by reliable information and avoid stating opinions as facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main sources of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, making it suitable for formal and informal writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main sources of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to pinpoint the primary origins or contributors to a given subject. As Ludwig confirms, its versatility allows for application across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal business writing. While synonyms like "primary origins of" or "key drivers of" offer subtle variations in emphasis, the core function remains consistent: to highlight the most significant factors. When employing this phrase, ensure that your claims are well-supported and avoid overgeneralizations to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary origins of

Replaces 'sources' with 'origins', emphasizing the starting point or beginning.

principal origins of

Similar to 'primary origins', but uses 'principal' to denote chief or foremost origins.

key drivers of

Shifts the focus from 'sources' to 'drivers', highlighting the factors that propel or influence something.

major contributors to

Replaces 'sources' with 'contributors', stressing the agents or factors that add to something.

central components of

Emphasizes that the origins are parts of a larger whole.

chief determinants of

Highlights the factors that decisively affect or influence something.

leading factors in

Similar to 'key drivers', but uses 'factors' to denote elements or circumstances.

primary inputs for

Focuses on what is put in or contributed to something, rather than the general origins.

essential elements of

Emphasizes the necessary or indispensable components.

fundamental bases of

Stresses the underlying foundations or supports.

FAQs

How can I use "main sources of" in a sentence?

You can use "main sources of" to identify the primary origins or contributors to something. For example, "The main sources of revenue for the company are sales and investments."

What are some alternatives to "main sources of"?

You can use alternatives like "primary origins of", "key drivers of", or "major contributors to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "main sources of" or "primary sources of"?

Both "main sources of" and "primary sources of" are acceptable. "Main" emphasizes significance, while "primary" emphasizes being first in order or importance. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "main sources of" and "causes of"?

"Main sources of" refers to origins or contributors, while "causes of" specifically refers to the reasons why something happens. For example, the "main sources of" income are different from the "causes of" poverty.