to find the source of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to find the source of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of identifying the origin or cause of something, such as an issue or information. Example: "The team worked diligently to find the source of the problem affecting the software's performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The new findings emerged from a challenge the Chinese government made to scientists to find the source of the SARS virus.

The New York Times

The problem is that it's incredibly difficult to find the source of the bleeding.

The New York Times - Magazine

Dr. Khaw said it was "critical" to find the source of the patient's infection.

The New York Times

His aim was to find the source of cutaneous leishmaniasis, known locally as "chiclero ulcer".

The Guardian

Ruehl also had to find the source of Serafma's enraged grief.

The New Yorker

But the agency, unable to find the source of the tips, hit a wall.

The New York Times

We are working closely with law enforcement to find the source of the malware".

The New York Times

Investigators need to find the source of the deadly E. coli.

The Economist

I wanted to find the source of some beautiful herbal greens that came into the restaurant.

The New York Times

Hotel employees entered Ms. Cachay's room to find the source of a water leak.

The New York Times

Police said they were trying to find the source of the beam.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to find the source of", ensure that the context clearly indicates what you are trying to find the origin of, making your writing more precise and easily understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "to find the source of" in overly general contexts. Instead of saying "We need to find the source of the problem", specify what problem you are addressing (e.g., "We need to find the source of the software malfunction").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to find the source of" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase. It indicates an action aimed at discovering the origin or cause of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Huffington Post

1%

Vice

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to find the source of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed infinitive phrase used to describe the act of discovering the origin or cause of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specifying what you are trying to find the source of enhances understanding. Alternatives include "to determine the origin of" and "to locate the cause of", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to determine the origin of

Focuses on establishing the starting point or root cause, implying a more definitive finding.

to locate the cause of

Emphasizes the identification of the reason behind a particular event or situation.

to identify the root of

Highlights the fundamental or underlying element contributing to a problem or phenomenon.

to trace back to the origin of

Suggests a process of following a path to discover the initial point or cause.

to ascertain the provenance of

Emphasizes verifying the origin or history of something, often in a formal or legal context.

to discover the basis of

Focuses on unveiling the fundamental principle or reason upon which something is founded.

to investigate the reasons for

Implies a structured inquiry to reveal the motivations or explanations behind an event.

to pinpoint the origin of

Suggests precise identification of the exact source, implying accuracy and specificity.

to unveil the mystery behind

Highlights the revealing of something previously unknown or puzzling, shifting the emphasis to the element of mystery.

to get to the bottom of

An informal expression meaning to discover the truth about something, especially something unpleasant.

FAQs

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

You can use "to find the source of" to describe the process of discovering the origin or cause of something. For example, "The investigators are working diligently "to find the source of" the contamination".

What's a more formal way to say "to find the source of"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "to determine the origin of" or "to ascertain the provenance of".

Is it always necessary to specify what I'm trying to find the source of?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what you're trying to find the source of enhances clarity. Instead of just saying "We need "to find the source of"", specify what you're looking for, like "We need "to find the source of" the leak".

What are some alternatives to "to find the source of" that emphasize investigation?

If you want to emphasize the investigative aspect, consider using phrases such as "to investigate the reasons for" or "to trace back to the origin of".