ultimate source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ultimate source" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the original or most fundamental origin of something, often in discussions about information, knowledge, or resources. Example: "The ultimate source of the information can be traced back to the original research conducted in the 1990s."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is an ultimate source of funds, though.

The New York Times - Travel

Her ultimate source of power comes from Trump.

The New Yorker

A survey in 1971 had established Mismi and the Apurimac headwaters as the Amazon's ultimate source.

The New York Times - Science

With Kant, God is replaced by the self as the ultimate source of meaning.

The Guardian - Opinion

The ultimate source of power in New York is a perennial and profoundly puzzling question.

The New York Times

Some of the organizations that got the C.I.A. money were entirely ignorant of its ultimate source.

The New Yorker

It's an unattributed quote, vaguely cited, whose ultimate source seems to be an anonymousenterprising sticker manufacturer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Witchdoctors may not be the ultimate source of the problem, she added.

The Guardian

But I suspect the ultimate source of this dichotomy lies in Walsh's childhood.

The Guardian

Absent any scientific consensus about the ultimate source of economic fluctuations, oversimplified theories abound.

The New York Times

Mr. Pirie noted that leaves are the ultimate source of protein.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts like knowledge or power, use "ultimate source" to denote the most fundamental origin or authority. For example: "For the islanders, the sea was the "ultimate source" of sustenance and wealth."

Common error

Avoid using "ultimate source" when you actually mean the more recent or direct origin. "Immediate source" refers to the closest cause or origin, while "ultimate source" points to the most fundamental or distant origin.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ultimate source" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies the most fundamental origin, cause, or authority of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to pinpoint the root of concepts or resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ultimate source" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote the fundamental origin or cause of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely applied across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedic content. While phrases like "definitive source" or "primary origin" can serve as alternatives depending on the intended nuance, understanding the difference between the "ultimate source" and the "immediate source" is crucial for precise communication. This term is versatile, making it valuable for various writing contexts while maintaining a neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definitive source

Implies the most reliable and authoritative origin, emphasizing accuracy and conclusiveness.

primary origin

Focuses on the initial beginning or cause, highlighting the chronological aspect of the source.

original foundation

Stresses the base or groundwork from which something originates, emphasizing its fundamental nature.

root cause

Points to the fundamental reason behind a problem or situation, emphasizing causality.

underlying basis

Highlights the fundamental support or justification for something, emphasizing its structural importance.

fundamental principle

Emphasizes the core belief or idea from which something is derived, focusing on its conceptual foundation.

prime mover

Denotes the initial force or entity that sets something in motion, emphasizing agency and initiation.

chief instigator

Highlights the main entity responsible for initiating an action or event, often with a negative connotation.

essential component

Focuses on a necessary element without which something cannot exist or function, emphasizing indispensability.

greatest influence

Indicates the most significant factor affecting an outcome, emphasizing impact and effect.

FAQs

How can I use "ultimate source" in a sentence?

Use "ultimate source" to refer to the fundamental origin or cause of something. For example: "The sun is the "ultimate source" of energy for the earth".

What is a good alternative to "ultimate source"?

Consider using alternatives like "definitive source", "primary origin", or "original foundation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "ultimate source" and "primary source"?

"Primary source" often refers to a first-hand account or original document, while "ultimate source" refers to the fundamental origin or root cause. The distinction depends on whether you are emphasizing direct evidence or the underlying cause.

Is "ultimate source" a formal or informal expression?

"Ultimate source" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's widely used in academic, news, and general writing, indicating its versatility.