unidentified source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unidentified source" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to information or data that comes from a source that has not been disclosed or recognized. An example: "The report cited an unidentified source for its claims about the new policy." Alternative expressions include "unknown source" and "anonymous source."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In July, the agency was told about an unidentified source who had recently been in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

A Los Angeles television station, KABC-TV, citing an unidentified source, said the woman was underage.

The New York Times - Sports

A second recording from an unidentified source puts the blame on Cossack militiamen.

The Guardian

Sprewell, through another unidentified source, denied that a fight took place.

The New York Times - Sports

At least one editor should know the identity of an unidentified source.

The New York Times

The paper's account, published Thursday, quoted an unidentified source inside the North.

The New York Times

The drive occurred near Reims, France, according to an unidentified source who spoke with Autosport.

The New York Times

But The Associated Press, quoting an unidentified source, reported the operation a day after it took place.

The New York Times - Science

Automotive News quoted an unidentified source as saying that thousands of cars had been "sold" this way.

The New York Times

LUSA cited an unidentified source at a local hospital as saying a man and woman were dead on arrival.

The New York Times

The funding of these promises, costing more than £2bn, is to be met from some unidentified source.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unidentified source", ensure your publication's policies regarding anonymous sources are followed, including verifying the source's credibility and the information's accuracy.

Common error

Avoid building an entire argument or news story solely on information from an "unidentified source". Corroborate the information with verifiable facts from other sources to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unidentified source" functions primarily as a noun phrase that serves as an attributive adjective. It modifies another noun by specifying that the source of information is not identified. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unidentified source" is a common and grammatically sound way to attribute information without revealing the source's identity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When using the phrase, it's crucial to adhere to journalistic ethics by verifying the information independently and having valid reasons for protecting anonymity. While alternatives like "anonymous source" and "unnamed source" exist, remember that relying solely on unverified information from such sources can undermine credibility. Therefore, use "unidentified source" responsibly and transparently to maintain trustworthiness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anonymous source

Indicates that the source's identity is not revealed, emphasizing their anonymity.

unnamed source

Highlights that the source has not been named, focusing on the lack of identification.

confidential source

Emphasizes the secrecy and protection surrounding the source's identity.

undisclosed source

Focuses on the fact that the source has not been revealed.

source who wished to remain anonymous

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the source's desire for anonymity.

source speaking on condition of anonymity

Highlights the agreement to keep the source's identity secret.

a person familiar with the matter

Suggests inside knowledge without revealing the specific source.

an insider

Implies the source has privileged information due to their position.

unverified origin

Focuses on the lack of confirmation regarding where the information came from.

unknown origin

Highlights the lack of information about where something originated.

FAQs

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

You can use "unidentified source" to attribute information without revealing the source's identity, for example, "According to an "unidentified source", the company is planning a merger."

What is a synonym for "unidentified source"?

A synonym for "unidentified source" is "anonymous source", which also indicates that the source's name is not being disclosed.

Is it ethical to use information from an "unidentified source"?

The ethics of using information from an "unidentified source" depend on the situation and journalistic standards. It's crucial to verify the information and have a compelling reason to protect the source's identity.

What's the difference between "unidentified source" and "confidential source"?

While both terms refer to sources whose identities are not revealed, "confidential source" often implies a more formal agreement to protect the source's identity, whereas "unidentified source" is a more general term.