primary source of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary source of" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the main or most important origin or cause of something. Example: "The primary source of income for the company is their online sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hip-hop is a primary source of this new music.

The New York Times - Arts

What is the primary source of mercury pollution?

The Guardian - Opinion

The fee is Digital Convergence's primary source of revenue.

The New York Times

Newspapers remain the primary source of news-gathering in America.

The New York Times - Magazine

Products are the key focus and primary source of revenue.

Harvard Business Review

Sewage is the primary source of the first three types.

Britannica

That left spy satellites as the primary source of information.

The New York Times

Ero1p is the primary source of disulfide bonds in eukaryotes.

Nature

The primary source of the play was Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles.

Britannica

His primary source of inspiration for reform was the Bible.

Britannica

Forestry is also a primary source of income and employment.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primary source of", ensure that it accurately reflects the most significant origin or cause, not just a contributing factor. Be precise to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "primary source of" when referring to something that's merely a notable contributor but not the main origin. Use alternatives like "significant factor in" or "major contributor to" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary source of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, identifying the primary origin, cause, or supply of something. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

14%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "primary source of" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to denote the main origin or cause of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and suitable for various contexts. It is utilized across News & Media, Science, Encyclopedias and Academia with a neutral level of formality. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately identifies the most significant origin. Related alternatives include "main origin of", "principal cause of", and "key contributor to", each offering slightly different nuances. Common errors involve overstating the importance of a source, so precision is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Main origin of

Replaces "source" with "origin", focusing on the point of commencement or derivation.

Principal cause of

Substitutes "source" with "cause", emphasizing the reason or agent that produces an effect.

Key contributor to

Shifts focus to contribution rather than origin, implying significant but not necessarily sole influence.

Chief provider of

Replaces "source" with "provider", highlighting the act of supplying or furnishing something essential.

Central reason for

Focuses on the rationale behind something, rather than its direct origin.

Major driver of

Implies a strong influence or impetus, rather than just the starting point.

Leading generator of

Emphasizes the creation or production aspect, suggesting a continuous output.

Foremost determinant of

Highlights the decisive or controlling aspect of the source.

Fundamental basis for

Focuses on the foundational element or underlying principle.

Prime mover of

Highlights the entity or force that initiates action or change.

FAQs

How can I use "primary source of" in a sentence?

Use "primary source of" to identify the main origin or cause of something. For example: "Sunlight is the "primary source of" energy for Earth".

What's a good alternative to "primary source of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "main origin of", "principal cause of", or "key contributor to" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "a primary source for" instead of "primary source of"?

While "primary source for" might occasionally appear, "primary source of" is the standard and more widely accepted construction when indicating the origin or cause of something.

How does "primary source of" differ from "secondary source of"?

"Primary source of" indicates the main or original origin, while "secondary source of" refers to something that contributes but is not the principal cause or starting point. Consider "major driver of" as the alternative to the "primary source of".