source of infection

USAGE SUMMARY

"source of infection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts when referring to a source of infection of a disease or illness. For example, "Health care workers have been monitoring the source of infection of the coronavirus closely."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Quantifying the source of infection for HIV-infected hemophiliacs in the UK from 1979 1984.

University of California, Berkeley

"Do we have a source of infection?" I asked.

The New Yorker

Messy logs are an easy source of infection.

The Guardian

Are they going to be a source of infection to their child at a later date?

The Guardian

Williamson sold the Taurus, without disclosing that it was the suspected source of infection.

The New Yorker

They even removed some teeth that could be a potential source of infection.

The New York Times - Health

People can also live six km or more from the source of infection.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We can trace the source of infection for all but one of the individuals.

The New York Times

"But the bullfrogs are a constant source of infection".

The New York Times

Domestic ruminants are a source of infection for humans.

Theriogenology

The babies are left vulnerable to any source of infection, like adults with Aids.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about infections, clearly define the potential "source of infection" to inform prevention and control measures.

Common error

Avoid jumping to conclusions about the "source of infection" without sufficient evidence. Thorough investigation is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "source of infection" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the origin or cause from which an infection arises. Examples in Ludwig highlight its use in medical and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "source of infection" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to the origin or cause of an infection. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in scientific, medical, and news-related discussions. While alternative phrases like "origin of the infection" or "cause of the infection" may be used, it's essential to maintain precision and clarity, especially in professional or technical writing. Proper identification of potential sources is crucial for effective prevention and control efforts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

origin of the infection

Focuses on the starting point or genesis of the infectious process.

cause of the infection

Highlights the reason or agent responsible for the infection.

root of the infection

Implies a deeper, underlying origin or foundation of the infectious process.

inciting factor of the infection

Emphasizes the element that triggered or initiated the infection.

transmission vector

Highlights the means or agent by which the infection spreads.

point of contamination

Refers to the specific location or instance where the infection was introduced.

source of contamination

Similar to "source of infection" but could refer to broader environmental factors.

primary reservoir of infection

Emphasizes the main host or environment where the infectious agent resides.

etiology of the infection

A more formal and scientific term referring to the cause or origin of a disease.

initial exposure point

Focuses on the first instance of contact with the infectious agent.

FAQs

How is the phrase "source of infection" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "source of infection" is used to identify the origin or cause of an infection. For example: "The hospital is investigating the "source of infection" in the neonatal unit."

What are some alternative phrases to "source of infection"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "origin of the infection", "cause of the infection", or "transmission vector" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "sources of infection" instead of "source of infection"?

Yes, "sources of infection" is the plural form and is appropriate when referring to multiple origins or causes of an infection. For example: "Poor hygiene and contaminated water are common "sources of infection" in developing countries."

What's the difference between "source of infection" and "source of contamination"?

"Source of infection" specifically refers to the origin of an infectious agent, while "source of contamination" is broader and can refer to any substance or location that introduces unwanted impurities or pollutants, including infectious agents.