secondary source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secondary source" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in academic or research contexts to refer to materials that interpret or analyze primary sources rather than presenting original data or firsthand accounts. Example: "In my research paper, I will reference several secondary sources to provide context and analysis of the primary data I collected."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"What's a secondary source?" The professor blanched.

The Guardian

appropriate mastery of the secondary source materials.

Stanford University

Thermal plants are a significant secondary source of power.

Britannica

4. Engage in critical reading of your secondary source.

University of California, Berkeley

And in fact, I took this from a secondary source.

Cornell University

effective and nuanced skills interpreting primary and secondary source materials.

Stanford University

a mastery of the secondary source literature and techniques.

Stanford University

improved critical thinking skills using primary and secondary source materials.

Stanford University

If you want to know about 1908, don't go to some secondary source - read the newspapers.

The Guardian

"Parliament is only a secondary source of power," warns the economist Saeed Leylaz.

The Guardian

The crankcase is a secondary source of unburned hydrocarbons and, to a lesser extent, carbon monoxide.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When citing a "secondary source", always ensure you understand the original source's context and potential biases.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "secondary sources" without consulting primary sources, especially in academic research. Always verify the interpretations and analyses provided in secondary materials against the original data or firsthand accounts whenever possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secondary source" functions primarily as a noun, identifying a type of information resource. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

41%

News & Media

28%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "secondary source" correctly identifies resources that analyze or interpret original materials, as supported by Ludwig AI. It's very common in academic and scientific contexts but also appears in news and media. When using "secondary sources", remember to critically evaluate the interpretations and verify information against primary sources whenever feasible. This approach ensures a comprehensive and well-supported analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

derived source

Focuses on the origin of the information being obtained from another place.

interpretive source

Highlights the interpretation aspect of the source.

secondhand account

Emphasizes that the information is not from a firsthand experience.

subsequent analysis

Focuses on the analytical aspect of the source being a later analysis.

related commentary

Highlights the commentary aspect of the work.

ancillary resource

Emphasizes the supportive nature of the source.

supporting document

Focuses on the function of the source providing support.

tertiary source

Refers to a source that summarizes or indexes secondary sources.

literature review

Emphasizes the comprehensive overview of existing research.

academic critique

Highlights the critical evaluation found in academic settings.

FAQs

How is a "secondary source" different from a primary source?

A "secondary source" interprets and analyzes primary sources, offering commentary and analysis rather than original data or firsthand accounts. Examples of primary sources include original documents, while secondary sources include books and articles that discuss those documents.

What are some examples of "secondary sources"?

Common examples of "secondary sources" include textbooks, literature reviews, biographies, and scholarly articles that analyze or interpret original research or events.

Is it acceptable to only use "secondary sources" in research?

While "secondary sources" are valuable for context and analysis, relying solely on them can be limiting. Consulting primary sources provides a deeper understanding and allows for independent evaluation of the information.

How do I properly cite a "secondary source"?

Cite the "secondary source" according to the required citation style (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago). The citation should include the author, title, publication information, and page numbers where the information was found. Be sure to give credit to the original primary source if mentioned in the "secondary source".