the source of it was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the source of it was" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the origin or cause of something in a narrative or analytical context. Example: "After thorough investigation, we concluded that the source of it was a miscommunication between departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"We don't know what the source of it was, maybe some kind of self-defense spray.

The New York Times

Ian Harte pulled a goal back and, when the Swindon goalkeeper Bart Griemink was dismissed for his second bookable offence, a high challenge on Alan Smith, in the closing stages, Leeds could sense a miraculous escape - even if the source of it was on nobody's betting slip.

The Guardian - Sport

On the Fox News show "Hannity & Colmes," a week or so after the lecture, Krugman responded to an accusation — the source of it was Poorandstupid.com — by saying, "That's a guy who actually stalks me on the web, and once stalked me personally".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The person who is the source of it is the original Ferdinand Porsche, creator of both the first Volkswagen and the first Porsche.

The New York Times

Ultimately, the source of it is heat released by the steady decay of radioactive material deep inside the earth.

The New York Times

The source of it is easy to identify – ever since Microsoft nailed the gaming media's jaws to the floor in 2009 with it's Project Natal reveal, the bar for all future briefings was set unbelievably high.

The Guardian - Tech

Try to find the source of it being higher, such as deteriorating insulators or live wires touching the ground.

WikiHow

"It borders on impossible to document where every dollar that they have came from, how it flowed through your bank, what the sources of it were, what your expenses are.

Huffington Post

Right now his survival is guaranteed by hard currency, and the best source of it is illicit activity.

The New York Times

I'm pretty sure I know the source of where it was coming from.

The Guardian - Sport

Even though most people consider acquiring new materials to be the source of happiness, it is all temporary and fleeting.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the source of it was", ensure that the 'it' is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the source of it was" if the 'it' is not immediately clear to the reader. Rephrase to specify the subject directly, such as "the source of the problem was".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the source of it was" functions as a nominal phrase that identifies the origin or cause of a previously mentioned subject. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the source of it was" is a grammatically sound phrase used to identify the origin or cause of a previously mentioned subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While generally appropriate, clarity is key; ensure the 'it' is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, and alternatives like "the origin of it was" or "the cause of it was" might offer more directness in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the origin of it was

Replaces 'source' with 'origin', focusing on the point from which something begins.

the cause of it was

Substitutes 'source' with 'cause', highlighting the reason behind something.

it originated from

Changes the structure to focus on the action of originating from a specific point.

it stemmed from

Uses 'stemmed from' to indicate that something arose or developed from a particular source or cause.

it derived from

Replaces the original phrase with 'derived from' meaning something is obtained or comes from a source.

the root of it was

Uses 'root' instead of 'source', emphasizing the fundamental reason or origin.

it had its beginnings in

Emphasizes the initial stage or starting point of something.

it all started with

Indicates the beginning of a series of events or circumstances.

the genesis of it was

Replaces 'source' with 'genesis', highlighting the origin or mode of formation of something.

it was born out of

Indicates that something was created or arose as a result of a particular situation or event.

FAQs

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

Use "the source of it was" to refer back to something previously mentioned. For example, "The playground incident caused concern. We don't know what "the source of it was", maybe self-defense spray".

What are some alternatives to "the source of it was"?

Alternatives include "the origin of it was", "the cause of it was", or "it stemmed from", depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "the source of it was"?

While grammatically correct, "the source of it was" can be stylistically clunky. Consider if a more direct phrasing would be clearer, such as "the cause was" or "it originated from".

What's the difference between "the source of it was" and "the source was"?

"The source of it was" refers to a specific, previously mentioned 'it', whereas "the source was" introduces the source directly. For example, "The problem was the funding. The source was a lack of donations", while "The problem's source, if it was funding, is something to be investigated".