source of income

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "source of income" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to income from a job, investments, business, etc. For example, "Many people rely on a single source of income to sustain their household."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's source of income".

The New York Times

That's their major source of income.

Independent

Tourism is a major source of income.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"They have no other source of income.

The New York Times

Tourism provides a valuable source of income.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tourism is a consistent source of income.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tourism is the chief source of income.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's an important source of income here".

The New York Times

Caddying is his only source of income.

The New York Times

She has no secure source of income.

The Guardian

I had lost my source of income.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Specify the type of "source of income" (e.g. rental income, salary, investment returns) to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "source of income" when you actually want to discuss the size of the income. "Source of income" refers to where the money comes from, not how much money there is. Use "level of income", "amount of income" or "income bracket" to describe the quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "source of income" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the origin from which financial resources are derived. Ludwig AI provides many examples where the phrase identifies the origin of income, often in contexts related to personal finance, economics, or business.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "source of income" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the origin of financial resources. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. While alternatives like "income stream" and "revenue source" exist, "source of income" maintains a neutral register suitable for various situations. Remember to focus on the origin rather than the amount when using this phrase, and consider diversifying your sources for greater financial stability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

income stream

Focuses on the continuous flow of money rather than the origin.

revenue source

More commonly used in a business context, referring to where a company's money comes from.

means of support

Emphasizes how someone sustains themselves financially.

financial resource

A broader term that includes assets beyond just regular income.

earnings

Focuses specifically on money earned through labor or investment.

livelihood

Refers to the way someone makes a living, encompassing their job and income.

monetary gain

Highlights the financial profit or benefit received.

breadwinner

Implies being the primary person who earns money in the household.

financial backing

Suggests external support, often for a project or venture.

economic foundation

Describes the underlying economic base that supports a person or entity.

FAQs

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

You can use "source of income" to describe where money comes from. For example: "His main "source of income" is his salary, but he also earns some money from investments."

What are some alternative phrases for "source of income"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "income stream", "revenue source", or "means of support".

Is it better to have multiple sources of income?

Generally, having multiple sources of income is considered a good financial strategy as it can provide stability and reduce risk. Relying on a single "source of income" can be precarious if that source is lost.

What's the difference between "source of income" and "form of income"?

"Source of income" refers to the origin or place where the money comes from (e.g., employment, investments). "Form of income" refers to the way the money is received (e.g., salary, dividends, rent).