principal source of information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal source of information" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the main or most significant source of information in a given context. Example: In researching for her thesis, the student found that primary sources were the principal source of information for understanding the historical context of the event.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Stone has said Credico was his principal source of information about WikiLeaks, an allegation Credico denies.

The Washington Post

The press is the principal source of information in urban areas of Malaysia.

Britannica

As a result, it is the principal source of information on Iraqi political, social, economic and cultural life.

The Guardian

There seems to be a generation of people for whom the Internet is the principal source of information about the world.

The New Yorker

The principal source of information about his life is a biography in the Shiji ("Records of the Historian") by Sima Qian.

Britannica

He would not succeed in stopping publication of the book version, "Picasso et Ses Amis" (1933), and these memoirs remain a principal source of information about the Bateau Lavoir circle and Picasso's early days in Paris.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Eclipsing binaries are the principal sources of information on the masses and radii of stars.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Québec Health Insurance Board and the Québec Cancer Registry were our principal sources of information.

Health & Place

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Eclipsing binaries are the principal sources of information on the masses and radii of stars.

Britannica

Until the 20th century the works of Irenaeus and other heresiologists (orthodox Christian writers who described unorthodox groups) were the principal sources of information about gnostic movements.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Leo Africanus, Italian Giovanni Leone, original Arabic al-Ḥasan ibn Muḥammad al-Wazzān al-Zayyātī or al-Fāsī, (born c. 1485, Granada, Kingdom of Granada [Spain] died c. 1554, Tunis [now in Tunisia]), traveler whose writings remained for some 400 years one of Europe's principal sources of information about Islam.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "principal source of information", ensure you clearly define what type of information is being sourced and in what context. This adds clarity and strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "principal source of information" without specifying the subject or area of knowledge. Saying something is the 'principal source of information' without context makes the statement vague and less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal source of information" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It identifies the main origin from which knowledge or data is derived.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

28%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principal source of information" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote the most important origin of knowledge or data. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and neutral to formal tone. It is frequently found in Science, News & Media, and Encyclopedias. When using the phrase, be specific about the information and context to enhance clarity. Common alternatives include "primary information source" and "key information resource". Ensure that you avoid overgeneralization by providing sufficient context. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in diverse fields, underscoring its versatility and importance in academic and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary information source

Switches the adjective and noun order while retaining the core meaning.

main origin of information

Replaces "source" with "origin", focusing on the point of origination.

key information resource

Substitutes "source" with "resource", emphasizing the value and availability of the information.

chief provider of information

Replaces "source" with "provider", highlighting the entity that supplies the information.

leading data repository

Uses "repository" instead of "source", suggesting a collection or storage of information.

central information hub

Emphasizes the role of the source as a central point for accessing information.

foremost informant

Replaces "source" with "informant", focusing on the role of providing information.

primary basis for knowledge

Shifts the focus to knowledge rather than information, suggesting a foundation of understanding.

principal data supplier

Uses "supplier" instead of "source", emphasizing the act of providing data.

major information stream

Depicts the source as a continuous flow of information.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "principal source of information" in a sentence?

You can use "principal source of information" to identify the most important or reliable origin of data or knowledge. For example, "The library's archives served as the "principal source of information" for the historian's research."

What are some alternatives to "principal source of information"?

Alternatives include "primary information source", "main origin of information", or "key information resource". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it redundant to say "primary principal source of information"?

Yes, it is redundant. "Principal" and "primary" are synonyms in this context, so using both is unnecessary. Stick to either ""principal source of information"" or "primary source of information".

What is the difference between "principal source of information" and "secondary source of information"?

"Principal source of information" refers to the most important or original source, while a "secondary source of information" is one that analyzes, interprets, or summarizes information from a "principal source of information".