sources say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sources say" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in journalism or reporting to indicate that the information being presented comes from unnamed or unspecified sources. Example: "According to sources say, the company is planning to launch a new product next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Or so sources say.

The New York Times

Informed sources say this hasn't changed.

The New York Times

Sources say there were several phone calls.

The Guardian - Business

My sources say that isn't quite accurate.

The New Yorker

Some sources say he was born in 1950.

The New York Times

Informed sources say Gatwick is not out of the running.

The Guardian

Sources say they have also asked the UN for assistance.

The Economist

Only Yemeni sources say he's dead & conflicting reports of how.

The New York Times

Sources say, unsurprisingly, that the bombers have links to Pakistan.

The Economist

Somali sources say the attack killed several foreign Islamist fighters.

The Economist

Military sources say the army's stay is "indefinite".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sources say", ensure the information is credible and relevant to your narrative, even if the sources remain unnamed. Provide context to enhance the reader's understanding and trust in the information.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "sources say" without providing any verifiable details or context, as this can undermine the credibility of your writing. Always strive to corroborate information from multiple sources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sources say" functions as an reporting verb or reporting clause, introducing information attributed to unnamed sources. It allows writers to convey information without revealing the specific identities of those providing it. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sources say" is a versatile phrase commonly used to introduce information from unnamed informants, predominantly in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's crucial to use it judiciously, balancing the need for confidentiality with the importance of credibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a key reporting mechanism for relaying information without direct attribution, making it essential for journalism and other fields requiring discretion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

people familiar with the matter state

Indicates the information comes from individuals with direct knowledge of the situation.

reports indicate

Emphasizes the presence of formal reports as the origin of the information.

knowledgeable parties disclose

Highlights that the information is being revealed by individuals with expertise and insight.

insiders reveal

Suggests the information comes from individuals within a particular organization or group.

correspondents confirm

Specifies that the information is verified by journalists or reporters on the ground.

it is rumored that

Highlights the speculative nature of the information, suggesting it may not be fully verified.

according to informants

Indicates that the information is derived from individuals providing secret or private details.

it is understood that

Suggests a general consensus or common knowledge, often without direct attribution.

allegedly

Implies the information is claimed but not yet proven, often used to avoid liability.

the word on the street is

Implies the information is circulating informally among a particular community or group.

FAQs

How can I use "sources say" in a sentence?

You can use "sources say" to introduce information that comes from unnamed or confidential informants, like this: "Sources say the company is planning a merger."

What's a good alternative to "sources say"?

Alternatives to "sources say" include phrases like "reports indicate", "insiders reveal", or "it is rumored that", depending on the level of certainty and formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "sources say" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "sources say" when you have reliable information from individuals who cannot be named, such as in journalism when protecting confidential informants or in situations where direct attribution is not possible.

Is it better to provide specific sources instead of saying "sources say"?

Yes, providing specific sources is generally better for transparency and credibility. However, if you cannot reveal your sources, "sources say" can be a useful way to convey important information while protecting confidentiality.