unnamed source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unnamed source" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in journalism or reporting to refer to a source of information that has not been identified publicly. Example: "According to an unnamed source, the company is planning to launch a new product next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The unnamed source added: "This is great news.

The Guardian - Music

A unnamed source said that officials were "satisfied that the comments were not inappropriate".

Independent

The unnamed source said she had tried to hide her frequent pregnancies.

Independent

An unnamed source present for Ms Pelosi's thumb-breaking sessions called her "scary tough".

The Economist

An unnamed source at MGM told The Sun: "Sam is our top choice.

Independent

Both men told Poitras that the e-mails she'd received from this unnamed source seemed legitimate.

The New Yorker

"And I'm not going to get into an argument with an unnamed source".

The New York Times

Presumably Senator Reid's unnamed source meant that Mr. Romney paid no federal income tax for years.

The New York Times

"What exactly is wrong with making a movie accurate?" the unnamed source told gawker.com.

The Guardian - Film

"The financing is all being worked out," the unnamed source told CNN.

The New York Times

"He was begging many people," The Nation said, quoting an unnamed source.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unnamed source", ensure the information provided is verifiable through other means to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid building an entire argument or report solely on information from an "unnamed source". Always seek corroborating evidence from other sources to strengthen the narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unnamed source" functions as a noun phrase typically used as an appositive or a subject in sentences within news or reports. Ludwig confirms its common usage in attributing information to a source whose identity is intentionally concealed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unnamed source" is a common and grammatically correct term, predominantly used in the realm of news and media. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its use for attributing information to a source whose identity is intentionally kept confidential. The phrase serves the communicative purpose of providing insights and facts while protecting the source. While alternatives like "anonymous source" and "confidential informant" exist, "unnamed source" is a neutral term frequently encountered in journalistic writing, ensuring a balance between information dissemination and source protection. When employing this phrase, prioritize verifying the information to maintain credibility and avoid over-reliance on a single, unconfirmed source.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anonymous source

Focuses on the anonymity of the source.

undisclosed source

Highlights that the source is not revealed.

source who requested anonymity

Highlights the source's active role in remaining unnamed.

a person who spoke on condition of anonymity

Emphasizes the agreement to protect the source's identity.

unidentified informant

Underscores that the informant's identity is unknown.

confidential informant

Suggests the source has a formal agreement of confidentiality.

a source close to the investigation

Specifies the source's proximity to the subject.

source familiar with the matter

Indicates the source has direct knowledge.

background source

Emphasizes that information provided is for context, not direct attribution.

insider

Implies the source is within an organization.

FAQs

What is the difference between "unnamed source" and "anonymous source"?

The terms "unnamed source" and "anonymous source" are often used interchangeably. Both refer to a source of information whose identity is not disclosed. However, "unnamed source" may subtly suggest that the source's identity is known to the reporter but not revealed, while "anonymous source" could imply that the source's identity is unknown even to the reporter.

When is it appropriate to use an "unnamed source" in reporting?

It's appropriate to use an "unnamed source" when the source's safety, job security, or other sensitive concerns are at risk if their identity were revealed. Also, the information provided by the source must be crucial to the story and verifiable through other means.

What are some potential drawbacks of using an "unnamed source"?

Using an "unnamed source" can raise questions about the credibility and objectivity of the information. It can also make it difficult for the audience to assess the source's biases or motivations, potentially leading to skepticism.

How can I ensure credibility when using an "unnamed source"?

To ensure credibility when using an "unnamed source", provide as much detail as possible about the source's position, expertise, or connection to the events without revealing their identity. Verify the information provided by the source through independent reporting and corroborating evidence.