sources say that

USAGE SUMMARY

"sources say that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce opinions, statements, or claims from outside sources, such as interviews or reports. For example: "Sources say that the new restaurant downtown has the best steak in town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My sources say that isn't quite accurate.

The New Yorker

British sources say that Argentina has five Super Etendards.

The Guardian

Several sources say that Adelson is interested in buying the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

The New Yorker

Intelligence sources say that, with Iran's backing, Hamas continued its plotting.

The New York Times - Magazine

SNP sources say that threshold would be polls showing 60% support for at least a year.

The Guardian

But local sources say that "nothing has happened - it is a simple as that".

BBC

Other Scottish government sources say that warship building was always destined for Glasgow, rather than Portsmouth.

BBC

Our sources say that Revolution Health was valued at around $100 million in the transaction.

TechCrunch

Some sources say that blue is the most predominant color on Instagram.

HuffPost

Some sources say that the Milky Way consists of 100 billion stars.

Cornell University

(Other sources say that the number of fatalities in Sinjar was much higher).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sources say that", ensure the information is credible and relevant to your topic. While it provides anonymity, strive for transparency by indicating the type or position of the sources if possible.

Common error

Avoid using "sources say that" excessively without providing any context about the source's credibility or position. This can weaken your argument and make your writing seem less trustworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sources say that" serves as an attribution marker, introducing information or claims attributed to unnamed sources. It is commonly used to convey information without revealing the identities of those providing it. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sources say that" is a frequently used attribution marker, primarily employed in news and media to relay information from unnamed sources. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While it's important for relaying information, it should be balanced with stronger attributions whenever possible. Alternatives like "reports indicate that" or "according to sources" can offer slight variations in tone and emphasis. When using it be mindful not to overuse it, and to provide as much contextual detail as you can without compromising confidentiality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to sources

This option is more concise but carries the same meaning of relying on unnamed informants.

reports indicate that

This alternative offers a more formal tone, suggesting documented evidence rather than informal communication.

people familiar with the matter say

This option specifies that the sources have direct experience or involvement.

it is reported that

This passive construction emphasizes the information being conveyed, rather than the source itself.

knowledgeable individuals claim

Implies the sources have expertise or specific knowledge, lending credibility.

analysts suggest that

This indicates expert opinion or analysis is being presented.

insiders reveal that

This suggests privileged information is coming from individuals within an organization or group.

it is understood that

This phrase implies general knowledge or agreement about a particular matter.

observers note that

This suggests that the information is based on observation rather than direct communication.

the word is that

This is a more informal way to introduce rumors or unconfirmed information.

FAQs

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

Use "sources say that" to introduce information or claims attributed to unnamed individuals or groups. For example, "Sources say that the company is planning a major restructuring."

What are some alternatives to "sources say that"?

You can use alternatives like "reports indicate that", "according to sources", or "it is reported that depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "sources say that"?

It is appropriate to use "sources say that" when you have information from individuals who wish to remain anonymous, but their information is crucial to the narrative. Ensure the information is verified from multiple sources if possible.

Is "sources say that" considered a strong attribution?

No, "sources say that" is considered a weak attribution because it lacks specificity. Use it judiciously and provide as much context as possible without revealing the source's identity. Stronger attributions include naming the source directly or specifying their position.