source of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "source of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the origin or cause of something, such as information, materials, or inspiration. Example: "The library is a valuable source of information for researchers and students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's source of income".

The New York Times

It's a source of embarrassment".

The New York Times

"It's a source of information.

The New York Times

The source of the provocation?

The New York Times

The source of his material?

The New York Times

It's a source of controversy.

The New York Times

"It's a source of stability".

The New York Times

The source of the rumour?

The Guardian

It's a source of identity.

The New York Times

A Source of Enduring Confusion.

The New York Times

The source of her pain?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "source of", ensure that the noun following "of" clearly identifies what is being originated or caused. For instance, "source of information" is clearer than "source of things".

Common error

Avoid attributing something as the "source of" an issue when it's merely a symptom or contributing factor. Accurately identify the root cause to provide meaningful context.

Linguistic Context

"Source of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating the origin, cause, or a place where something is obtained. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage. Examples include "source of information", "source of pride", and "source of controversy".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "source of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate the origin or cause of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to academic writing. While the phrase is generally neutral to formal, it is important to accurately identify the true origin rather than merely a symptom. Alternatives include "origin of", "cause of", and "basis for", offering writers flexibility in expressing similar meanings with nuanced differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

origin of

Replaces "source" with "origin", emphasizing the beginning or starting point.

cause of

Substitutes "source" with "cause", focusing on what produces an effect or result.

derivation of

Uses "derivation" instead of "source", highlighting the process of obtaining or developing something from a source.

basis for

Replaces "source" with "basis", indicating the foundation or support for something.

root of

Uses "root" instead of "source", emphasizing the fundamental or essential part.

foundation of

Changes "source" to "foundation", indicating the underlying support or structure.

wellspring of

Replaces "source" with "wellspring", suggesting an abundant or continuous supply.

fount of

Similar to "wellspring", "fount" implies a rich source or origin.

resource for

Substitutes "source" with "resource", highlighting the availability and utility of something.

generator of

Uses "generator" to convey the idea of something that produces or creates.

FAQs

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

Use "source of" to indicate the origin, cause, or starting point of something. For example, "The library is a valuable "source of" information for researchers."

What's the difference between "source of" and "origin of"?

"Source of" generally refers to where something comes from or is obtained, while "origin of" emphasizes the very beginning or starting point. They are often interchangeable but "origin" implies a more fundamental beginning.

What can I say instead of "source of"?

You can use alternatives like "origin of", "cause of", or "basis for" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "sourced of" instead of "source of"?

No, "sourced of" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is ""source of"". "Sourced" is typically used as a verb (e.g., "The materials were sourced locally").