true source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "true source" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the original or most reliable origin of information or ideas. An example is: "The historian sought the true source of the ancient manuscript." Alternative expressions include "genuine origin" and "authentic source."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This, after all, is the true source of European unity.

The New York Times

Which is the true source of the Lawa?

The New York Times

But he did not think it addressed the true source of the problem.

The Guardian

You find their true source if you look at the collapse of British immigration policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

First off, scientists needed to be careful about the true source of the samples.

The Guardian

'All is well since all grows better' became my motto, my true source of comfort".

The New Yorker

(I'll whisper it in your ear: the true source of the curse is — shhh! — racism).

The New York Times

In some cases, the true source of the corporate money is hard to trace.

The New York Times

The self-interest of politicians represents the gun lobby's true source of power.

The Economist

But the true source of her anguish is that she falls short of her religious principles.

The New York Times - Arts

So why try to claim that Rubens was somehow their one true source?

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific or technical writing, specify the nature of the source (e.g., geographic, data-driven, or biological) to add clarity to the adjective 'true'.

Common error

Avoid using 'true original source' as a single unit. Since 'original' often implies the ultimate starting point, adding 'true' can be redundant unless you are specifically contrasting it with a false claim of being original. Choose the word that best fits your emphasis on either authenticity ('true') or sequence ('original').

Linguistic Context

The phrase "true source" functions primarily as a nominal group where the adjective 'true' modifies the noun 'source'. It serves to delineate a specific, authenticated origin from other potential or misleading ones. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often acts as the direct object of a sentence (e.g., 'identify the "true source"') or as a predicative nominative (e.g., 'God is the "true source"').

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "true source" is a robust and highly effective linguistic tool used to denote the genuine and factual origin of an idea, physical object, or data point. Data from Ludwig reveals that it is particularly prevalent in journalistic reporting and scientific research, where distinguishing between appearances and reality is crucial. Whether discussing the "true source" of a country's democratic legitimacy or the "true source" of a signal in an experiment, the phrase remains a staple of clear English. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and universal acceptance across all major English-speaking regions. Writers should feel confident using it to add a layer of authority and precision to their descriptions of origins and causes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine origin

Focuses more on the authenticity and historical beginning of a concept or object

authentic source

Stresses the reliability and trustworthiness of the information provided

real cause

Shifts the emphasis from the location or identity of the source to the underlying reason or driver

true fount

Provides a more metaphorical or literary tone, often used when discussing inspiration or knowledge

actual root

Implies a foundational or deep-seated beginning, often used for problems or ideologies

primary source

A specific academic and historical term referring to first-hand evidence or original documents

original wellspring

Suggests a continuous and natural flow of ideas, power, or creativity

verifiable origin

Adds a layer of scientific or legal necessity regarding the ability to prove the starting point

legitimate provenance

Common in art and legal contexts to describe a documented and lawful history of ownership

true basis

Focuses on the logical or structural foundation rather than just the point of origin

FAQs

How do I use "true source" in a sentence?

You can use "true source" to identify the factual origin of something, such as: 'The investigative journalist finally uncovered the "true source" of the leaked documents.' Ludwig shows it is frequently used to clarify the real reason behind a phenomenon.

What is the difference between "true source" and "original source"?

While often interchangeable, a "true source" emphasizes the factual reality or authenticity of the origin, whereas an "original source" focuses on the chronological beginning or the first point in a sequence.

Can I say "genuine origin" instead of "true source"?

Yes, "genuine origin" is a perfectly valid alternative, especially when you want to emphasize the pedigree or biological/historical authenticity of a person or object.

Is "true source" formal enough for a research paper?

Absolutely. "true source" is used extensively in academic and scientific contexts. Examples from Ludwig include its use in signal processing and social network analysis to describe the "accurate location" or identity of a data point.