the source of that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the source of that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the origin or cause of something previously mentioned. Example: "I need to know the source of that information before I can trust it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I remember the source of that.

The New Yorker

Did you have any similar moments growing up? _ I remember the source of that.

The New Yorker

People like the idea of just giving out food but don't necessarily want to deal with the source of that.

Vice

What is the source of that faith?

The New York Times - Sports

And the source of that growth?

The New York Times

What was the source of that riling?

The New Yorker

Notice the source of that quote.

The New York Times

The source of that unease is not difficult to find.

The Guardian

And the source of that irony is Geithner himself.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But voters know less about the source of that funding".

The New York Times

The activist did not reveal the source of that information.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the source of that", ensure the "that" clearly refers to something previously mentioned to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the source of that" if the context doesn't make it immediately clear what "that" refers to. Rewrite the sentence to specify the subject directly.

Linguistic Context

The source of that functions as a noun phrase used to inquire about or identify the origin, cause, or basis of something previously mentioned. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common phrase often used in questions or statements concerning origins.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the source of that" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to inquire about or identify the origin, cause, or basis of something previously mentioned. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's versatile and appears frequently in news, science, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "the origin of that" or "the cause of that" exist, "the source of that" provides a direct and clear way to seek or provide information about origins. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by making sure that "that" has a clear and immediate reference. The phrase is generally neutral in tone, making it appropriate for a variety of informative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the origin of that

Replaces "source" with "origin", emphasizing the point of commencement or derivation.

the cause of that

Substitutes "source" with "cause", focusing on the reason why something happens.

the reason for that

Replaces "source" with "reason", highlighting the justification or explanation for something.

where that comes from

Uses an interrogative structure to inquire about the origin or derivation of something.

the root of that

Emphasizes the fundamental or underlying reason for something.

the basis of that

Focuses on the foundation or groundwork upon which something is based.

what underlies that

Asks about the hidden or less obvious factors contributing to something.

what's behind that

Implies a concealed motive or influence affecting something.

the wellspring of that

Emphasizes an abundant and continual source or origin.

the fountainhead of that

Similar to "wellspring", highlighting a primary and prolific source.

FAQs

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

Use "the source of that" to refer back to something previously discussed, indicating you are now asking about or identifying its origin. For example, "The data shows a significant increase in sales. What is "the source of that" increase?"

What's a more formal alternative to "the source of that"?

In more formal contexts, you could use "the origin of that", "the cause of that", or "the basis for that". These alternatives maintain a similar meaning while sounding more sophisticated.

Is it always necessary to use "the source of that"?

No, it isn't always necessary. Sometimes, being more direct and specific can improve clarity. Instead of "the source of that", consider rephrasing to directly state the origin or cause if it makes the sentence clearer.

How does "the source of that" differ from "the result of that"?

"The source of that" refers to the origin or cause of something, while "the result of that" refers to the consequence or outcome. They are opposite in terms of cause and effect.