the very source of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the very source of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the origin of something, as in "The very source of his power was his charm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These connections are the very source of our common strength.

The Guardian - Opinion

To attack privacy is to attack the very source of creative and imaginative life.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are called children, and their unearned confidence is the very source of their self-worth.

The New York Times - Magazine

Form, in other words, allows him to draw some assuagement from the very source of the agony itself.

The Guardian - Books

The weakness of television directors is the strength of the medium its ability to become the very source of discourse.

The New Yorker

They "are the very source of our competitive strength," he said in a recent interview at Shiseido's headquarters in Tokyo.

The New York Times

It was hideous, Rivière said, and stupendous: it "alters the very source of all our aesthetic judgments".

The New Yorker

Mankind appears to be bent on destroying the very source of his vitality and strength -the earth.

The New York Times

When she entered a room, her presence was felt and a warmth radiated from the very source of her beingness.

The New York Times

The weakness of television directors is the strength of the medium — its ability to become the very source of discourse.

The New Yorker

Cimino's mighty and distinctive visual imagination is more than a way of presenting the action in his films; it's the very source of his dramas.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very source of" to emphasize the fundamental and original nature of something. It adds weight to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "the very source of" in contexts where a simpler phrase like "the source of" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very source of" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun. It highlights the origin or cause of something, emphasizing its fundamental nature. As Ludwig shows, it's used to pinpoint the origin be it of an abstract or concrete entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

18%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very source of" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize the fundamental origin or cause of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various contexts, particularly in news, science and academic writing. While versatile, it's best suited for situations where emphasizing the origin's importance is desired, and should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly complex. By considering its function, purpose, and formality, writers can effectively incorporate this phrase to add emphasis and clarity to their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the origin of

Focuses on the point where something begins.

the root of

Implies the fundamental cause or basis.

the heart of

Emphasizes the central or most important aspect.

the foundation of

Stresses the underlying support or basis.

the wellspring of

Suggests an abundant and continuous supply or origin.

the genesis of

Highlights the beginning or creation of something.

the starting point of

Focuses on the initial stage or event.

the prime mover of

Indicates the initial cause or impetus.

the essence of

Highlights the indispensable quality of something.

the crux of

Pinpoints the decisive point.

FAQs

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

Use "the very source of" to emphasize the fundamental origin or cause of something. For example, "Innovation is "the very source of" economic growth".

What are some alternatives to "the very source of"?

You can use alternatives such as "the origin of", "the root of", or "the heart of" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "the source of" and "the very source of"?

While both phrases indicate origin, "the very source of" emphasizes the fundamental and essential nature of the origin, adding more weight to the statement than simply "the source of".

When is it appropriate to use "the very source of"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight the most fundamental or essential origin or cause. It is often used in formal writing to add emphasis.