sourcing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sourcing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to obtaining or acquiring resources, materials, or information, often in business or supply chain discussions. Example: "The company is focusing on sourcing sustainable materials for its new product line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

At the time, the company, which manufactures Kleenex, already had a sustainability strategy that included protecting some forest, sourcing pulp from sawmill waste, and engaging third-party certification.

The Guardian

That made us think we'll have a travel section, chronicle our own travels and share a lot of photos when we're out sourcing new brands.

The Guardian

Yet this inevitably requires longer lead times and higher transportation costs than sourcing goods locally – and Africans lose out on the work.

The Guardian

Greenpeace, which has previously been critical of Apple for sourcing energy from fossil fuels, recently praised the company for improving the energy mix powering its data centres, ranking it above other technology giants such as Amazon.

The Guardian

The same result was achieved when Greenpeace turned its attention to KFC UK, whose parent company Yum stopped sourcing paper products from APP. Nine months into the Greenpeace action, in February 2013, APP announced a forest conservation policy that included a moratorium on all further forest clearance by all APP's Indonesian suppliers.

The Guardian

Book now This lively seminar covers the essentials of freelance journalism, with advice from working writers on everything from sourcing stories, to pitching to editors and getting paid.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The Linux "community"—numberless hobby hackers would simply converge on the code and rewrite it within hours or days.Mr McBride argues that he cannot reveal the detailed code that SCO lays claim to because to do so would be, in effect, "open-sourcing" it which to his mind would be capitulating to communism.

The Economist

Even many of his own constituents appear fed up with him as their MP: he will have to fight to keep his seat in Amethi, in Uttar Pradesh (UP .His "passions", say those close to him, include tinkering with the structure of Congress's youth wing to make it more democratic, crowd-sourcing the party manifesto, and a big, but largely unnoticed, women's microfinance project in UP.

The Economist

Sun says the primary advantage of open-sourcing the designs of its processor chips is an elusive marketing boost to its other products, such as server computers.

The Economist

"This citizen-driven approach has been given an extra dimension through crowd-sourcing and become an antidote to hardcore modernist planning".

The Guardian

In the art world, real curators are being supplanted by crowd-sourcing.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about supply chains, use "sourcing" to emphasize the origin and acquisition process of materials or services. For example, "ethical sourcing" indicates a commitment to responsible supply chains.

Common error

Don't limit "sourcing" to only mean finding the cheapest supplier. Effective sourcing considers factors like quality, reliability, and ethical considerations, not just cost.

Linguistic Context

The term "sourcing" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the process of obtaining goods or services from a particular source. It can also function as a verb in its present participle form, indicating an ongoing action of obtaining. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sourcing" is a common and correct term primarily used to describe the process of obtaining goods, services, or information, frequently in business and supply chain contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of the term. Its usage spans across various registers, from professional business settings to neutral news reports. When using the term, ensure you consider factors beyond just cost, such as quality, reliability, and ethical implications. Alternatives like "procurement", "obtaining", and "acquiring" can be used depending on the context. The term is highly relevant in discussions related to ethical practices and sustainability within supply chains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

procurement

Focuses on the act of obtaining goods or services, especially for business purposes.

obtaining

Emphasizes the action of getting something, often implying effort or difficulty.

acquiring

Suggests gaining possession of something, often over time or through a specific process.

securing

Implies making something safe or certain, as well as obtaining it.

finding

Highlights the act of discovering or locating something that is needed.

resource acquisition

Specifically refers to getting access to resources, whether physical or intangible.

supply chain management

Refers to overseeing the entire process of production and distribution.

vendor selection

Focuses on the process of choosing suppliers.

material procurement

Specifically refers to obtaining materials needed for production or construction.

supply sourcing

Involves identifying and selecting suppliers for goods and services.

FAQs

How is "sourcing" typically used in business?

"Sourcing" in business refers to the process of finding, evaluating, and engaging suppliers of goods and services. It often involves strategic decisions about where to obtain resources to optimize cost, quality, and efficiency.

What's the difference between "procurement" and "sourcing"?

While related, "sourcing" is broader than "procurement". "Sourcing" involves identifying and selecting suppliers, while "procurement" is the actual purchasing and acquisition of goods or services.

What are some alternatives to using "sourcing" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "obtaining", "acquiring", or "procurement". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "ethical sourcing" mean?

"Ethical sourcing" refers to obtaining goods and services in a way that respects social and environmental standards. It involves ensuring fair labor practices, environmental sustainability, and responsible supply chain management.