the provenance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the provenance of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the origin or source of something, often in contexts related to art, artifacts, or historical documents. Example: "The provenance of the painting was traced back to the 18th century, revealing its rich history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The provenance of "Deliverance" is somewhat murky.

The New Yorker

First, the provenance of his parents.

The Guardian - Books

Question the provenance of a piece.

The New York Times

What was the provenance of the olive oil?

The New Yorker

The provenance of every piece of teak has been documented.

The New York Times

Horvath knew that the provenance of the information was illegal.

The New Yorker

"To research the provenance of Judaica is extremely difficult.

The New York Times - Arts

The provenance of the video could not be independently verified.

The New York Times

Sleuths are also hired to probe the provenance of money.

The Economist

So the provenance of the murals is momentarily unclear.

The New York Times

The provenance of that distinction is hard to decipher.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the history or authenticity of an artifact, document, or artwork, use "the provenance of" to emphasize its origin and chain of ownership. This is especially useful in academic or formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "the provenance of" when you actually mean the relevance or importance of something. Provenance specifically refers to origin and history, not significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the provenance of" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence, often requiring further context to specify what is being examined. Ludwig AI confirms its usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the provenance of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that refers to the origin or source of something, especially in formal contexts like art, history, and legal documentation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and widespread use. It functions as a noun phrase and serves to inquire about or establish historical origins. While it appears most commonly in News & Media and Scientific sources, understanding its meaning and appropriate usage is crucial to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives include "the origin of" and "the source of", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the origin of

A direct synonym, referring to the beginning or source of something.

the provenience of

Synonymous, but less frequently used, referring to the origin or source.

the derivation of

Focuses more on the process of obtaining or developing something, rather than its origin.

the ancestry of

Specifically refers to the lineage or familial history of something.

the pedigree of

Similar to ancestry, often used in contexts of breeding or historical lineage.

the descent of

Emphasizes the lineage or path of transmission from an ancestor or source.

the originator of

Highlights the person or entity that created or initiated something.

the home of

Indicates the place where something originated or is typically found.

the background of

Describes the circumstances, events, or history leading up to something.

the extraction of

Refers to the process of obtaining something, often with effort or difficulty.

FAQs

What does "the provenance of" mean?

The phrase "the provenance of" refers to the origin, source, or history of something, particularly in the context of art, antiques, or historical documents. It's about tracing the item's ownership and history.

How can I use "the provenance of" in a sentence?

You might say, "Researchers are investigating "the provenance of" the ancient manuscript to determine its authenticity". This indicates they are trying to find out where the manuscript came from and who owned it.

What are some alternatives to "the provenance of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the origin of", "the source of", "the ancestry of", or "the background of".

Why is knowing "the provenance of" an artwork important?

Knowing "the provenance of" an artwork helps to establish its authenticity, value, and historical significance. It provides a record of ownership and can reveal important details about the artwork's past.