source

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "source" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to the origin or cause of something, or as a verb to mean to get or bring information from a particular place. Example: To research the topic, she sourced information from several reliable online sources.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The palace source added: "It is the tradition now that after the general election the Queen is at Windsor until such a time as someone is able to form a new government.

The Guardian

A Labour source said that, given teenagers have a "tremendous vested interest in whether or not we stay in the EU or leave", there could be a strong appetite for amending the EU referendum bill in the Lords, even if Labour and the SNP fail to recruit the relatively small number of Tory rebels they would need to defeat the government in the Commons.

The Guardian

Source: USDA.

The Guardian

In 2014, the Guardian was named newspaper and website of the year at the Society of Editors UK Press Awards and is the most trusted news source in the UK (Ofcom digital media report, 2014).

The Guardian

According to a "well-informed source", it "was not her strategy for world peace" that snared Clooney (obviously not – intellect is repulsive in a woman): it was that she "played hard to get".

The Guardian - Opinion

These are the ideal source of data, but there are several limitations with the data at this local level.

The Guardian

It takes your source and a special.travis.yml build definition from your public repo, runs the build on a build engine, and reports the high level result.

The Guardian

An insufficient number of police were deployed to Mare Street and Clarence Road, offering futile attempts to contain the anger of a vast number of youths, the source of which remains unknown.

The Guardian - Opinion

Demographic changes mean India's appetite for higher education is expanding quickly and providing a source of international postgrad students that the US is exploiting.

The Guardian

Nearby juxtaposition of the line "In God we trust", though, is the source of many American conundrums.

The Guardian

Often the only source of emergency cash is loan sharks, increasingly big business in Kenya, with borrowers signing ambiguous photocopied contracts and tying themselves into interest rates of 50% or more.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When citing information, clearly identify the "source" to maintain credibility and avoid plagiarism.

Common error

Avoid attributing information to vague or unreliable "sources". Always verify information and provide specific citations.

Linguistic Context

The word "source" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the origin, cause, or a supplier of information or materials. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "source" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a noun to denote the origin, cause, or supplier of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. With a "Very common" frequency, it appears extensively in diverse contexts, especially in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and "Science". To enhance clarity and credibility in writing, it's best practice to accurately attribute your "sources". Common errors involve using vague references or failing to verify information. Related terms like "origin", "root", and "foundation" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

origin

Indicates the point or place where something begins or is derived from.

originator

Refers to the person or thing that initially creates or causes something.

basis

Highlights the foundation or underlying principle on which something is based.

root

Emphasizes the fundamental cause or starting point of something.

wellspring

Suggests a plentiful source or origin, often used metaphorically.

fountainhead

Similar to wellspring, indicating a primary source or origin.

provenance

Refers to the history of ownership or origin of something.

derivation

Indicates the process or origin from which something is obtained.

cause

Refers to the reason or motive behind an action or event.

resource

Highlights something that can be used for support or help.

FAQs

How can I use "source" in a sentence?

You can use "source" to refer to the origin of something, as in "The river's "source" is in the mountains", or to indicate where information comes from, as in "The journalist protected their "source"".

What's a reliable "source" for academic research?

Reliable "sources" for academic research include peer-reviewed journals, academic books, and publications from reputable institutions.

What can I say instead of "source" when referring to the origin of something?

Alternatives include "origin", "root", or "foundation", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between a primary "source" and a secondary "source"?

A primary ""source"" provides direct or firsthand evidence about an event, object, person, or work of art. A secondary ""source"" interprets and analyzes primary sources.