source of data

USAGE SUMMARY

'source of data' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to identify the origin of information. For example: "The research team relied heavily on external sources of data to complete their project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Primary source of data on the newspaper industry world-wide.

Princeton University

KENNETH ABBOTT: Now, another great source of data is Bloomberg.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But there is no comprehensive, national source of data for new condominiums sales.

The New York Times

However, the US has no authoritative source of data on deaths involving police officers.

The Guardian

"It's a completely different source of data," said Mr. Hebbert.

The New York Times

Genealogists mourn the passing of a favourite source of data.

The Economist

Researcher generated surveys constituted the most frequent source of data.

Annals of Epidemiology

Those represent an almost inexhaustible source of data.

Journal of Chromatography B

Can you tell me something about the source of data you used in your analysis?

Harvard Business Review

"The problem with exclusive deals is that it is only a single source of data.

The Guardian - Sport

It is highly likely these units employ Google Analytics as one source of data.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying the "source of data", be as precise as possible. Vague references can undermine the credibility of your analysis. Instead of saying "various online sources", specify the exact websites or databases used.

Common error

Avoid using "source of data" when you actually mean the method or process used to analyze the data. The "source of data" refers to where the data originated, not how you manipulated it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "source of data" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies where information is obtained. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to specify the origin of data in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

31%

News & Media

38%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "source of data" is a common and grammatically correct way to identify the origin of information. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is most frequently used in academic, news, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you're specific about the origin, and avoid confusing it with data analysis methods. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for various levels of formality but is most appropriate in neutral to formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

data source

This is a more concise way of saying "source of data", reversing the order of the words.

data origin

This alternative emphasizes the starting point or foundation of the data.

information source

This is a broader term that can be used when the data is not strictly numerical.

basis of the data

Focuses on what the data is derived from or relies upon.

data provider

Highlights the entity that supplies the data.

where the data comes from

An informal way of asking or stating the origin of the data.

data's provenance

Emphasizes the history and chain of custody of the data.

the root of the data

Implies a foundational or fundamental origin.

input data stream

Suggests a continuous flow of data from a specific origin, generally in technical context.

data feed

Implies a regular and automated supply of data.

FAQs

How can I cite a "source of data" correctly?

Always provide a clear and complete citation, including the author or organization, the title of the dataset, the date of publication or retrieval, and the URL or DOI if available. This ensures reproducibility and gives credit to the original creators.

What's the difference between a "source of data" and a "data set"?

A "source of data" refers to the origin from which the data is obtained, such as a website, database, or survey. A "data set" is the actual collection of data points that you are using for analysis. The source provides the data set.

Which is a better alternative to "source of data": "data source" or "information source"?

The best alternative depends on the context. "Data source" is more appropriate when referring to structured, often numerical, data. "Information source" is better when the data is less structured and more qualitative.

Why is it important to verify the "source of data"?

Verifying the "source of data" ensures the data's reliability and validity. A credible source is more likely to provide accurate and unbiased data, which is crucial for sound decision-making and research. Always check the source's reputation and methodology.