unique source

USAGE SUMMARY

"unique source" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is not only rare, but also offers valuable information or insights. For example, "This book is a unique source of information on the history of the Roman Empire."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Finds the unique source regions in srclist.fits.fits

Harvard University

Coal was almost the unique source of the aromatic hydrocarbons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A unique source of such data is the Oklahoma Mesonet.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

In today's globalised world, embassies are not a unique source of expertise.

The Guardian - Opinion

The genius is not a unique source of insight; he is merely an efficient source of insight.

The New Yorker

The DOPPS remains a unique source of data on hemodialysis patients and facilities.

American Journal of Kidney Diseases

In countries where even population estimates are hard to get, mobile phones constitute a unique source of information.

MIT Technology Review

It's always just one or two rogue individuals, states or institutions that emerge as the unique source of blame for an entire system's failure.

The Guardian - Opinion

"On an engineering and pioneering level, it is considered an engineering marvel, since it represented a unique source of power, like Hoover Dam".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Each session is defined by a unique source-destination pair.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Let (so i, sk t ) represent a unique source-to-sink connection or flow in app ap.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unique source", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the source is considered unique. Provide specific details or examples to support this claim.

Common error

Avoid using "unique source" when the source is merely uncommon or rare, rather than truly one-of-a-kind. Ensure no other equivalent sources exist before claiming uniqueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unique source" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something as the sole or unparalleled origin of something else, highlighting its exclusivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for describing valuable information or insights.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unique source" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, denoting something as the sole origin of information, materials, or other valuable assets. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's well-suited for highlighting exclusivity and irreplaceability. Its presence is most common in scientific and news-related contexts, although it is relevant in academic and formal business writing as well. When using "unique source", avoid overstating the uniqueness and ensure the context clarifies why the source is special.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusive origin

Emphasizes the singular and unparalleled origin of something.

sole provider

Highlights the aspect of being the only supplier or giver.

distinct resource

Focuses on the resource aspect, emphasizing its individuality.

primary generator

Stresses the role of being the main creator or producer.

original creator

Highlights the aspect of being the first or initial creator.

singular contributor

Emphasizes the individual and unmatched contribution.

chief originator

Focuses on the leading or principal nature of the origin.

prime mover

Highlights the entity that initiates or drives something.

single wellspring

Uses a metaphorical term to denote the unique and abundant origin.

unrivaled origin

Emphasizes that there is no other origin of this type or calibre.

FAQs

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

You can use "unique source" to describe something that is the only place where you can obtain information or something else that is valuable. For example, "This archive is a "unique source" of historical documents".

What are some alternatives to "unique source"?

Alternatives include "exclusive origin", "sole provider", or "distinct resource", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very unique source"?

Yes, "unique" already implies one-of-a-kind, so adding "very" is redundant. Just use ""unique source"".

What's the difference between "unique source" and "primary source"?

"Unique source" means there is only one place to get the information. "Primary source" refers to original materials from the time period being studied, but there may be multiple primary sources.