major sources of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major sources of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing significant contributors or origins of something, such as information, resources, or influences. Example: "The major sources of pollution in the city include vehicle emissions and industrial waste."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Following are the major sources of intelligence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are two major sources of broker-to-broker mistrust.

The New York Times

Bootleggers had other major sources of supply, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Grimsley told investigators that "Latin players" had boxes of drugs and were major sources of amphetamines.

The New York Times - Sports

Cows and their manure are considered the major sources of the pathogen.

The New York Times - Health

The two major sources of Daughtry's mail are England and Sweden.

The New Yorker

There are three major sources of basement water: condensation, runoff and subsurface penetration.

The New York Times

America's lakes and estuaries are major sources of drinking water and vital economic generators through tourism.

The New York Times

Some are half a century old and are considered major sources of air pollution.

The New York Times

"Businesses are not likely to be major sources of funds to the global fund," he said.

The New York Times

Mexico and other Latin American countries are major sources of the drugs.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major sources of", ensure that you can substantiate the claim with evidence or data to support the assertion that these sources are indeed the most significant.

Common error

Avoid using "major sources of" without proper justification. Ensure the identified sources are truly the most significant, not merely prominent or well-known, to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major sources of" functions as a determiner phrase identifying the most significant origins or contributors of something. It is commonly used to specify key elements or factors. Ludwig AI confirms this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major sources of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the primary origins or contributors to something. Appearing across diverse contexts like science, news, and encyclopedias, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. When employing this phrase, ensure accurate justification with supporting evidence, as overstating the significance can diminish credibility. Alternative phrasing includes "key origins of" or "primary contributors to", offering nuanced options. In summary, "major sources of" is a versatile tool for highlighting key elements, provided it's used judiciously and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key origins of

Replaces "major" with "key", emphasizing importance.

primary contributors to

Shifts from "sources" to "contributors", highlighting an active role.

principal origins of

Uses "principal" and "origins" for a more formal tone.

chief causes of

Focuses on causation rather than general origination.

mainsprings of

Emphasizes the initiating or driving force behind something.

leading factors in

Highlights influence and importance as a cause.

significant drivers of

Implies a propelling or motivating force.

central components of

Focuses on essential parts rather than origins.

essential elements for

Highlights indispensable components.

critical foundations for

Emphasizes the fundamental basis or support.

FAQs

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

The phrase "major sources of" is used to indicate the primary origins or contributors to something. For example: "The "major sources of pollution" in the city include vehicle emissions and industrial waste."

What are some alternatives to "major sources of"?

You can use alternatives like "key origins of", "primary contributors to", or "principal origins of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "main sources of" instead of "major sources of"?

Yes, "main sources of" is a similar and often interchangeable phrase. Both indicate significant origins, but "major" might imply a larger scale or impact than "main".

What's the difference between "major sources of" and "minor sources of"?

"Major sources of" refers to the primary or most significant origins, while "minor sources of" indicates less important or secondary origins. The choice depends on the relative contribution or impact of the sources being discussed.