source text

USAGE SUMMARY

'source text' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when citing direct quotations or referring to original, unedited source material. For example, "The source text of the poet's poem read 'The darkness comes to consume us all.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Film

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This does not mean that the nonfiction is lesser, or that it is a source text.

The New Yorker

In some cases, even the source text is unsure of itself.

The Guardian - Film

(source) Text Then: "a book or other piece of writing; especially : one that is studied".

Independent

Later it would be a source text for the New Critics, then the litter box for post-colonial theorists.

The New Yorker

The oval's black center soon fills with legibly larger versions of every word from the source text.

The New York Times - Books

Still, if Game of Thrones isn't the first bit of adaptive literature to produce source text, it's close.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Most great film adaptations have built their success on ignoring, or at least shunting, key elements of the source text.

The Guardian - Film

Did they feel a need to preserve certain aspects of the source text or a desire to "make it new"?

The New York Times

This novel is the source text for Ridley Scott's dystopian masterpiece Blade Runner, and it's to Philip K Dick's considerable credit that neither book nor film seem dated.

The Guardian - Books

Mostly, when critics read "Sakhalin Island," they read it as a source text for later works by Chekhov, in particular the stories dealing with prison and exile.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This morning Facebook's AI Research FAIRR) lab released an update to fastText, its super-speedy open-source text classification library.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Cite the "source text" properly when quoting or referencing it in academic or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "source text" when you actually mean the 'target text', which is the result of a translation or adaptation. "Source text" always refers to the original material.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "source text" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It identifies the original work from which translations, adaptations, or analyses are derived. For example, 'This novel is the "source text" for Ridley Scott's dystopian masterpiece Blade Runner'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "source text" is a noun phrase denoting the original version of a text before any translation, adaptation, or modification. It is grammatically correct and frequently used in both formal and neutral contexts, particularly in scientific and news media. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-established and readily usable. Common usage includes identifying the original material when discussing adaptations or translations, emphasizing its importance. To prevent confusion, it is important to differentiate it from the target text. Alternatives like "original text" or "primary source" can be used, but ensure they fit the specific context. By understanding the nuances of "source text", writers can achieve precision and clarity in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

original text

Replaces "source" with a synonym while maintaining the core meaning.

primary source

Specifies that the text is a firsthand account or original document.

original document

Emphasizes the document's authenticity and originality.

base text

Indicates the text serves as a foundation or basis for something else.

master text

Suggests the text is a definitive or authoritative version.

reference text

Highlights the text's role as a resource for information.

initial text

Focuses on the text being the starting point or beginning.

foundation text

Emphasizes the text's fundamental importance.

seed text

Implies the text is the origin from which other content grows.

preexisting text

Highlights the text's existence before a particular event or adaptation.

FAQs

How is the "source text" different from the target text?

The "source text" is the original text before translation or adaptation, while the target text is the resulting text after the process.

What are some synonyms for "source text"?

You can use alternatives like "original text", "primary source", or "base text" depending on the context.

How do I properly cite the "source text" in academic writing?

Follow the citation style required by your institution or publication, providing details such as author, title, and publication information of the "source text".

What does it mean when an adaptation deviates from the "source text"?

It means the adaptation has altered or changed elements of the original "source text", such as plot, characters, or themes.