uncertain source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncertain source" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information or data that comes from a source that is not reliable or whose credibility is questionable. Example: "The report cited an uncertain source for its claims, making it difficult to trust the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But the networks are now an uncertain source of revenue.

The New York Times

He gives short shrift to the idea that – assuming the data is genuine, as he clearly believes – he is involved in a breach of confidentiality using information from an uncertain source which has been obtained without consent.

The Guardian - Sport

VC-only plumes with uncertain source location were found at two contaminated sites.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

Such people are an uncertain source, because their information-gathering methodology is often haphazard, and the information obtained thereby can be purely anecdotal.

TechCrunch

The CUT method is then combined with a minimum variance condition, to provide a full posterior pdf of the uncertain source parameters, based on observed satellite imagery.

Journal of Computational Physics

Armed with historical cohort data, a freemium business will go into a quarter with a good sense of both how many premium customers will continue to pay and how many free users will convert to customers, leaving new customers as the only uncertain source of revenue.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But the agencies noted that paying for the debt depended on donations and ticket sales, two uncertain sources of money.

The New York Times

Scrolling through the PDFs of the (very well presented) documents, though, mostly reveals just what one expected: rumors and scuttlebutt, with uncertain sourcing.

The New Yorker

Textiles and paper products became the primary sources of manufacturing employment, while fisheries and agriculture continued as important but uncertain sources of income.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even if the polls are accurate, Herzog will need support from some uncertain sources — most importantly, from Moshe Kahlon, the leader of the Kulanu party, who came from Likud.

The New Yorker

Over the two decades of his rule, Mr. Karimov has expelled nearly all foreign journalists and aid workers, so reporting on the country tends to be fragmentary and based on uncertain sources of information.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When citing a "uncertain source", clearly acknowledge its limitations to maintain transparency and credibility. Provide context for why the source is considered uncertain and what measures have been taken to verify the information.

Common error

Avoid presenting information from a "uncertain source" as definitive truth without explicitly stating its uncertain nature. This can mislead readers and damage your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncertain source" functions as a noun phrase where 'uncertain' modifies 'source'. It identifies a source of information or resources that lacks definitive reliability or verifiability. Ludwig AI supports this by showing how it commonly qualifies nouns related to information, funding, or origins.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "uncertain source" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe an origin of information, funding, or resources that lacks definitive reliability. Ludwig AI indicates its frequent presence in Science, News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using "uncertain source", it is crucial to acknowledge its limitations, and avoid presenting its information as definitive truth. Alternative phrases such as "unreliable origin" or "questionable source" may provide similar nuances depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreliable origin

Focuses specifically on the unreliability of the origin itself.

dubious origin

Emphasizes the questionable nature of the source.

questionable source

Highlights the doubtful credibility of the source.

unconfirmed origin

Indicates the origin hasn't been verified.

unverified source

Emphasizes the lack of verification for the source.

tenuous source

Suggests the source is weak or flimsy.

shaky source

Implies the source is unstable or untrustworthy.

imprecise source

Highlights a lack of precision in the source's information.

vague origin

Emphasizes the lack of clarity regarding the source.

indeterminate origin

Highlights the undefined nature of the source.

FAQs

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

You can use "uncertain source" to describe the origin of information that is not definitively known or verified. For example, "The journalist attributed the quote to an "uncertain source"."

What are some alternatives to "uncertain source"?

Alternatives include phrases like "unreliable origin", "questionable source", or "dubious origin", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it acceptable to use information from an "uncertain source" in academic writing?

While it's generally best to rely on verifiable and authoritative sources, information from an "uncertain source" can be used if its limitations are clearly acknowledged and the information is presented with appropriate caveats.

What should I do if my only information comes from an "uncertain source"?

Attempt to corroborate the information with other sources, and if that's not possible, clearly state the "uncertain source" and the reasons for its uncertainty. Be transparent about the limitations of the information.