primary source is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary source is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when defining or discussing the nature of a primary source in research or academic contexts. Example: "A primary source is an original document or firsthand account that provides direct evidence about a topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

(McBurney's primary source is Petru Popescu's nonfiction account, Amazon Beaming).

The Guardian

The primary source is a first-generation print from 1922, crisp and clear enough to have been shot last week.

The New York Times

In the case of Siena, for example, his primary source is what appears to be a short, tight-lipped journal by one Agnolo di Tura.

The New Yorker

Gas stations in some cities and suburbs do not carry diesel, so the primary source is truck stops, which can be inconvenient.

The New York Times

For fighters in the east, "the primary source is illicit activities, smuggling marble, chromate, gems and timber, as well as kidnapping," the official said.

The New York Times

(Anderson) SPANGLISH FLY A 10-piece party band whose primary source is New York Latin Boogaloo from the 1960s: records like Joe Cuba's "Bang Bang," Ray Barretto's "El Watusi" and the rest.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The primary source was the imprisoned dictator himself.

The Guardian

Sandy Lehmann-Haupt, Wolfe's primary source, was the saddest case of all.

The Guardian - Books

Their primary source was the Internet Archive and its Wayback Machine.

TechCrunch

My primary source was Google … I read tons and tons of research.

Science Magazine

Due to editorial constraints, his piece was essentially a rewrite of the RCMP's press release on the subject, and his primary source was the officer who wrote it.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primary source is", ensure the source you are referencing truly represents original, firsthand information. Verify its authenticity and relevance to your argument.

Common error

Avoid misidentifying secondary sources as primary ones. Double-check that your "primary source" provides direct, original evidence, not interpretations or analyses of other sources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary source is" functions as a definitional statement. It introduces and identifies the origin or foundation upon which certain information or conclusions are based. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "primary source is" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to identify the origin of information, as Ludwig AI confirms. Predominantly found in scientific, academic, and news-related contexts, it is essential for validating claims and providing context. Remember to properly identify and authenticate your sources to avoid misrepresenting secondary materials. Alternatives like "the main source is" or "the original source is" can offer slight variations in emphasis. Ensure your source provides direct, original evidence and note that this phrase is appropriate for more formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main source is

Replaces "primary" with "main", slightly de-emphasizing the importance of the source but maintaining the core meaning.

the principal source is

Substitutes "primary" with "principal", offering a more formal tone while still indicating the most important source.

the original source is

Focuses on the origin of the information, highlighting that it's the first or initial source.

the key source is

Emphasizes the importance of the source as being crucial or essential.

the initial source is

Similar to "original source", stressing that it is the starting point of information.

it primarily comes from

Shifts the focus to the origin of the information rather than explicitly naming a "source".

is mainly derived from

Highlights the derivation process, indicating that the information is largely based on a particular origin.

stems primarily from

Indicates that the information originates or arises from a particular source.

originates primarily from

Similar to "stems primarily from", emphasizing the place or point of beginning.

is fundamentally based on

Stresses the foundation or basis upon which something is built, derived or constructed.

FAQs

How do I use "primary source is" in a sentence?

Use "primary source is" to define or identify the origin of information. For example: "The "primary source is" the original manuscript written by the author."

What are some alternatives to "primary source is"?

Alternatives include "the main source is", "the original source is", or "it primarily comes from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "primary source is" or "the primary source are"?

The correct form is ""primary source is"" when referring to a single source. If discussing multiple sources, use "primary sources are".

What's the difference between "primary source is" and "secondary source is"?

"Primary source is" refers to original, firsthand accounts or evidence, while "secondary source is" refers to interpretations, analyses, or summaries of those original sources.