Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
sourcing for
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "sourcing for" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It often means to search or look for something, as in: "
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
I've been pretty good about sourcing for the last couple of years.
News & Media
The second element of the project aims to improve helmets and other protective devices by, essentially, crowd sourcing for solutions.
News & Media
Mr. Wise followed his initial post about the quarterback with three others about his sourcing for the news.
News & Media
And, when they write their reports, they must include better attribution and sourcing for each major assertion.
News & Media
This article was amended on 11 June 2016 to clarify the sourcing for the figure of 18,000 jobs.
News & Media
But there was excellent sourcing for it, and as you say, there seems to be a pattern here.
News & Media
"I'll do a lot of research when building out a restaurant and often end up sourcing for myself along the way," he explained.
News & Media
India's coalition government, led by the Congress party, in September relaxed rules on local sourcing for foreign "single-brand retailers" – shops that sell items belonging to one brand.
News & Media
Her mother works in New York as the vice president for product development, production and sourcing for the Limited Stores of Columbus, Ohio.
News & Media
Not living by the sea means we have to trust our suppliers to do the sourcing for us and to deliver the fish in prime condition.
News & Media
"Wal-Mart is committed to a global supply chain that first and foremost provides safe conditions for workers," said Rajan Kamalanathan, vice president of ethical sourcing for Wal-Mart.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "sourcing for", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being sought. For example, specify "sourcing for sustainable materials" or "sourcing for qualified candidates".
Common error
Avoid using "sourcing for" without a clear object. Saying "We are sourcing" is less effective than "We are sourcing new suppliers".
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "sourcing for" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as part of a verb phrase to describe the activity of finding or obtaining something. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts like "sourcing for new images" and "sourcing for information".
Frequent in
News & Media
42%
Science
38%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Wiki
6%
Huffington Post
4%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "sourcing for" is a grammatically correct and widely used prepositional phrase that describes the action of actively seeking and obtaining something. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is prevalent across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. It's important to use it with a clear object to avoid vagueness. While alternatives like "obtaining for" or "acquiring for" exist, "sourcing for" maintains a distinct nuance, particularly in business and strategic contexts. Its frequency and broad applicability make it a valuable addition to one's writing vocabulary.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
obtaining for
Focuses on the act of getting something, implying a direct acquisition.
acquiring for
Suggests a more formal or strategic process of gaining possession.
finding for
Emphasizes the discovery aspect of locating something that is needed.
locating for
Highlights the act of pinpointing the exact position or source of something.
securing for
Implies making something safe and ensuring its availability for a specific purpose.
procuring for
Suggests a formal or official process of obtaining something, often through purchase.
getting for
A more general term for obtaining something, applicable in various contexts.
researching for
Focuses on the investigative aspect of finding information or resources.
shopping for
Specifically refers to the act of purchasing goods or services.
recruiting for
Relates to finding and hiring personnel.
FAQs
How can I use "sourcing for" in a sentence?
"Sourcing for" is used to describe the act of finding or obtaining something, such as "The company is actively "sourcing for" new suppliers".
What can I say instead of "sourcing for"?
You can use alternatives like "obtaining for", "acquiring for", or "finding for" depending on the context.
Is it correct to say "sourcing of" instead of "sourcing for"?
While "sourcing of" can be grammatically correct, ""sourcing for"" is generally preferred when the object is what you're trying to find or obtain.
What is the difference between "sourcing for" and "searching for"?
"Sourcing for" often implies a more strategic or business-oriented search, focusing on finding resources or supplies, while "searching for" is a more general term for looking for something.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested