the only source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the only source" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that there is no other source of information or material available on a particular topic. Example: "According to the report, the only source of funding for the project came from private donations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Layoffs weren't the only source of tension.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yahoo is not the only source for shopping cart software.

The New York Times

Norbury's miscarriage is not the only source of her pain.

The Guardian - Books

Government financing is not the only source of aid.

The New York Times

Visitors are often the only source of accident information.

The New York Times - Tech

But politics is not the only source of frustration.

The Guardian - Books

This is not the only source of frustration.

The Guardian

Fragile rumours become the only source of information.

The Guardian

For many, the only source of money is to beg.

The Guardian

Power, however, isn't the only source for feelings of entitlement.

The New Yorker

And lead may not be the only source of damage.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the only source" to clearly and unambiguously identify the single origin or provider of something, avoiding any confusion about alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "the only source" repeatedly within the same paragraph; this can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, try to vary your language with synonyms or rephrase sentences to avoid repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only source" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It specifies a single origin, provider, or cause. Ludwig shows examples where it identifies income sources, causes of frustration, or suppliers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the only source" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase to emphasize exclusivity of origin or provision. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase functions grammatically as a subject complement or object, conveying clarity and certainty. It's frequently found in contexts such as news reports, scientific articles, and formal business communications. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, avoid overuse by varying language and structure. Alternatives like "sole source" or "exclusive source" can provide similar meaning while enhancing writing diversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole origin

Highlights singularity in origin; more formal.

the exclusive origin

Emphasizes the lack of other origins; implies control.

the unique source

Stresses that the source is one of a kind.

the single source

Simple emphasis on only one source exists.

the only origin

More direct and can be used interchangeably in most contexts.

the prime source

Implies that the origin is more important than others.

the ultimate source

Suggests that the origin is final and fundamental.

the root source

Implies that the origin is the base or beginning.

the fountainhead

Metaphorical, suggesting abundance and origination.

the wellspring

Similar to fountainhead, suggesting an abundant and original source.

FAQs

How can I use "the only source" in a sentence?

Use "the only source" to specify that there is precisely one origin, cause, or provider. For example: "For many, farming remains "the only source of income"".

What's the difference between "the only source" and "a source"?

"The only source" indicates exclusivity, meaning there is no other. "A source" simply means one of possibly many.

What are some alternatives to "the only source"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "sole source", "exclusive source", or "primary source", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "the only source" in writing?

It's best to use "the only source" when you want to emphasize the singularity of origin or provision, especially when accuracy and clarity are crucial. For instance, "ChromaDex is "the only source for NR"".