underlying source

USAGE SUMMARY

"underlying source" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to the root cause or origin of something. You can use it in a sentence when discussing the origin or basis of a problem or situation. Example: The company's financial difficulties were a result of mismanagement, but the underlying source was a lack of proper training for employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After talking with Joe, Breton had little doubt about the underlying source of Zadroga's lung trouble.

The New Yorker

Furthermore, the underlying source of the MS-EV signal in the brain remains to be specified.

Nature

But there must have been some initial factor that started the feedback cycle – some underlying source of hesitation.

The Guardian - Business

There is always the impression of craftsmanship, expertness, as the underlying source of it all; and they are not enough".

The New York Times - Arts

While the content was all tailored to government, much of the underlying source material was available free on a variety of websites.

Harvard University

Based on query "templates" defined by the user, it recognizes large classes of queries and converts them to native queries of the underlying source.

Stanford University

There are many other examples of almost-structured data in legislation, waiting to be freed by developers, now that they have easy access to the underlying source.

Cornell University

In America's case, some of the underlying source data show a more gradual recent rise in inequality than Mr Piketty's estimate.

The Economist

Meanwhile, the underlying source of our slump, the high level of consumer debt inherited largely from the housing bubble, has declined only slightly.

The New York Times

Whatever the fuse, the underlying source of ferment in the West Bank is a consensus that the Palestinian Authority president, Mahmoud Abbas, has reached a dead end.

The New York Times

The sensors in the network have partial and spatially correlated observations of the underlying source.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex issues, clearly identify the "underlying source" to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Common error

Avoid addressing only the symptoms of a problem without identifying and resolving the "underlying source", as this often leads to recurring issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying source" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the fundamental origin or cause of a situation or problem. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in diverse contexts like technology, economics, and medicine.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "underlying source" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for identifying the root cause or origin of something, as confirmed by Ludwig. While not exceedingly common, it finds frequent use in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When writing, it's crucial to pinpoint the true "underlying source" to provide a comprehensive understanding and avoid merely addressing surface-level symptoms. Ludwig's examples and analysis highlight its versatility in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

root cause

Focuses more directly on the causal aspect.

primary origin

Emphasizes the beginning or initial point.

fundamental reason

Highlights the basic or essential justification.

basic cause

Similar to "root cause" but less intense.

core driver

Implies a force that propels or initiates.

key factor

Highlights one of the several important things.

initial impetus

Focuses on what gets the process started.

original basis

Stresses the foundation or groundwork.

principal element

Highlights the leading or main aspect.

genesis

A more literary way to indicate beginning or origin.

FAQs

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

You can use "underlying source" to describe the root cause or origin of a problem, situation, or phenomenon. For example: "The "underlying source" of the conflict was a misunderstanding between the parties."

What are some alternatives to "underlying source"?

Some alternatives include "root cause", "primary origin", or "fundamental reason". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "underlying source" and "cause"?

"Cause" refers to an event or condition that directly leads to an effect. "Underlying source" often refers to a deeper, more fundamental reason or factor that contributes to the cause. For example, the cause of a fire might be a spark, but the "underlying source" might be faulty wiring.

Is it better to use "underlying source" or "root cause"?

Both phrases are appropriate, but "root cause" is generally used when discussing problems or negative situations, while "underlying source" can be used in a broader range of contexts. It depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.