source of truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "source of truth" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a source that is taken as reliable and authoritative, such as an expert witness or a reliable record-keeping system. For example, "She served as a source of truth during the trial, providing reliable testimonies to the events that occurred."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You must make a connection with your source of truth, so that you may submit your questions and receive a right and truthful response.

WikiHow

"The old media model was: there is one source of truth.

The Economist

That approach treated law as a form of science and as a source of truth.

The New York Times

The committee must sift through proposals that describe Europe's "spiritual heritage" and "God as the source of truth".

The New York Times

We needed to build a single source of truth for not only the data, but the workings applied to the data.

The Guardian

They become beholden to the idea entrenched by centuries of rule according to the God-given Koran that scripture, not experience, is the source of truth.

The Economist

This book presents an innovative interpretation of the bible that undermines its authority as a source of truth, and questions the traditional understanding of prophecy, miracles and the divine law.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Bruton said he supported the text that speaks of God as a "source of truth" because it would apply, he said, to the three major monotheistic religions in Europe.

The New York Times

With his eye fixed on posterity, he tried to steer a steady path between gathering gossip, which might turn out to be the source of truth, and due respect for the damage it can do.

The Guardian - Books

With this new tool, O2 believes it has a comprehensive system based on life-cycle thinking, sound science and manufacturers' own supply chain research to reveal what it calls "a single source of truth".

The Guardian

That need not give us reason to believe that either is a reliable source of truth.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "source of truth" to clearly define where reliable data originates within an organization to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on one "source of truth" without cross-validation from other credible sources. Always consider potential biases or limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "source of truth" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific entity recognized as the most reliable and authoritative origin of information. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in diverse contexts, from religious texts to data management systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "source of truth" is a common noun phrase used to describe a reliable and authoritative origin of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, including news media, science, and business. It is essential for designating a definitive and trustworthy standard for accuracy. While frequently used, it's important to avoid over-reliance on a single "source of truth" without cross-validation and to maintain it properly for accessibility. Alternatives like "reliable authority" or "authoritative source" can be used depending on the context to express similar ideas. The prevalence of the phrase indicates its importance in ensuring clarity and consistency in communication and data management.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authoritative source

This highlights the source's recognized expertise and credibility.

reliable authority

This emphasizes the dependable and trustworthy nature of the source.

main source of verification

This alternative directly points to verifying accuracy.

principal authority

This term emphasizes that the source is the highest or leading expert.

definitive authority

This phrase emphasizes the unquestionable and conclusive nature of the source.

single point of reference

This stresses the source being the unique place to consult for specific information.

ultimate reference point

This highlights the role of the source as the final and most important point of reference.

primary validation

This focuses on the source's function as the main confirmation.

gold standard

This phrase suggests that the source sets the benchmark for quality and reliability.

proven source

This is a shorter and more direct way to say that something has been verified.

FAQs

How do you use "source of truth" in a sentence?

You can use "source of truth" to describe where reliable data originates, such as: "The database serves as the single "source of truth" for all customer information."

What can I say instead of "source of truth"?

Alternatives include "reliable authority", "authoritative source", or "definitive authority" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "source of truth" or "truth source"?

"Source of truth" is the commonly accepted phrase. "Truth source" is less frequently used and may sound awkward.

What does it mean to have a "single source of truth"?

A "single source of truth" means having one central, reliable repository for data or information, ensuring consistency and accuracy across an organization or system.