the source of

USAGE SUMMARY

"the source of" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the origin or cause of something. Some examples of when it can be used include: 1. The source of the Nile River is believed to be Lake Victoria. 2. The scientists were unable to determine the source of the strange sounds coming from the depths of the ocean. 3. We need to find the source of the leak in the roof before it causes more damage. 4. She traced the source of the rumor back to a disgruntled former employee. 5. The source of his fear was rooted in a childhood trauma. 6. The company invested in renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The source of the provocation?

The New York Times

The source of his material?

The New York Times

The source of the rumour?

The Guardian

The source of her pain?

Independent

"What is the source of this?

The New York Times

That's the source of the controversy.

The New York Times

We know the source of the problem.

The New York Times

The source of the outbreak remains unknown.

The Economist

The source of the shame became unclear.

The New York Times

Pinpoint the source of the down payment.

The New York Times

I remember the source of that.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the source of", ensure that the noun following 'of' clearly identifies what is originating from that source. For example, "the source of the river" is clearer than "the source of issues."

Common error

Avoid superficial analysis. Dig deep to ensure you've identified the actual, underlying "source of" a problem or phenomenon, not just a symptom or contributing factor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the source of" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun. It introduces information about the origin, cause, or starting point of something. As Ludwig shows, this phrase frequently appears in contexts where identifying origins is crucial.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the source of" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote the origin, cause, or starting point of something. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is prevalent in news, scientific, and general informational contexts. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase precisely to ensure clarity. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various registers, and it is crucial to identify the actual, underlying source and not just a symptom. To further clarify and depending on the context, alternatives like "the origin of", "the root of" or "the cause of" could be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the origin of

Replaces "source" with "origin", emphasizing the beginning or point from which something comes.

the root of

Substitutes "source" with "root", highlighting the fundamental cause or basis.

the cause of

Uses "cause" instead of "source", directly indicating the reason for something.

the basis for

Replaces the phrase with a focus on the foundation or support for something.

the reason for

Similar to "the cause of", but can imply a more reasoned or explained origin.

the wellspring of

A more figurative alternative, suggesting an abundant or continuous source.

the foundation of

Emphasizes the underlying structure or principle on which something is built.

the genesis of

A more formal and literary term for the origin or beginning.

the fountainhead of

Suggests a primary source or originator, often used in a metaphorical sense.

the provenance of

Focuses on the history and origin of something, often used in art or historical contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "the source of" to indicate the origin, cause, or starting point of something. For example, "The investigation aims to identify the source of the contamination." or "Understanding the source of her anxiety is the key to helping her."

What can I say instead of "the source of"?

You can use alternatives like "the origin of", "the root of", or "the cause of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the source for" instead of "the source of"?

While "source for" can be used to indicate a resource or reference, "the source of" is generally preferred when referring to the origin or cause. "The source for my information" is acceptable, but "the source of the problem" is more idiomatic.

What's the difference between "the source of" and "the reason for"?

"The source of" typically refers to the origin or starting point, while "the reason for" explains why something happened. You might say, "Stress is the source of his headaches" and "The reason for his absence was illness."