predominant source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'predominant source' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe anything that is the primary or main source of something. For example, "Today, the predominant source of nutrition advice is the internet."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The predominant source of magnesium is dolomite (CaMg(CO3 2).

Applied Water Science

Transport has all along been the predominant source of NOx.

European Transport Research Review

Exothermic pyrite oxidation is the predominant source of heat.

Geochemical Transactions

But as any of them will attest, email is the predominant source of valuable data.

TechCrunch

Single predominant source: For each channel i, there is a single predominant source j ′ that corresponds to a music instrument which is known in advance.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Subsequently, it was realized that K-cells are the predominant source of circulating GIP.

Vitamins & Hormones

NAPL partitioning was the predominant source of retention for FTOH, contributing ~ 98% of total retention.

Science of The Total Environment

Fossil fuel is still a predominant source of the global energy requirement.

Applied Energy

As in other Arctic countries, the predominant source of these contaminants is the local diet.

Science of The Total Environment

The resulting overlapping masks are displayed for each predominant source (c,f,i,l).

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The resulting overlapping masks are displayed in Figure 4c,f,i,l for each predominant source.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "predominant source" when you want to clearly identify the main or primary origin of something, whether it's a physical resource, information, or influence.

Common error

While "predominant source" is technically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "main source" or "biggest factor" when speaking or writing informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predominant source" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the most significant or primary origin of something. Examples provided by Ludwig show its use in various contexts, indicating that "predominant source" is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "predominant source" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote the main origin or cause of something. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and widely used across various domains, particularly in scientific and formal contexts. While interchangeable with terms like "main source" or "primary origin", it carries a slightly more formal tone. When choosing an alternative, consider your audience and the level of formality required. Be mindful of overuse in casual settings, and ensure the context aligns with the phrase's technical inclination. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's versatility and validity in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary origin

Focuses on the origin aspect more strongly than the source.

main contributor

Highlights the contributing aspect, useful when emphasizing impact.

major factor

Shifts the focus to the causal influence rather than the source itself.

chief cause

Emphasizes the causal relationship.

principal element

Highlights that it's the most important element.

leading generator

Suggests that the source actively produces something.

primary driver

Focuses on the driving force behind something.

top supplier

Highlights the supplying role, often used in economic contexts.

foremost resource

Highlights the resource aspect.

central provider

Highlights the providing role and centrality.

FAQs

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

You can use "predominant source" to indicate the primary origin or cause of something. For example, "The sun is the "predominant source" of energy for the Earth."

What's a less formal alternative to "predominant source"?

In less formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "main source", "biggest factor", or "primary origin" instead of "predominant source".

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

While "predominant source" and "primary source" are often interchangeable, "predominant source" emphasizes the relative importance or quantity of the source, while "primary source" simply indicates the first or original source. You can choose to use "primary source" when it is actually the very first or original source of something.

Which is correct: "predominant source of" or "predominant source for"?

"Predominant source of" is the more common and grammatically appropriate construction when indicating what something originates from. "Predominant source for" could be used if you're specifying what the source is intended to supply or benefit, but this is less common.