be born of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be born of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the origin or source of something, often in a metaphorical or literal sense regarding birth or creation. Example: "She was born of a noble lineage, which shaped her values and aspirations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were generally considered to be born of— and limited to the mimicry of nature.

SEP

"What could be born of that?

The Guardian - Film

But faith may also be born of isolation, or at least detachment, from the world.

The New York Times - Books

Yet, analysts added, the I.B.M. strategy also appears to be born of necessity.

The New York Times

That unification would almost certainly be born of a crisis increases its difficulties.

The Guardian

For him, the idea should be born of the act of creation.

The New York Times - Arts

But on closer inspection, her manner seems to be born of precision, not meekness.

The Guardian - Books

And so the eruption, when it comes, will be born of despair rather than hope.

The Guardian - Books

The policeman drew from his pocket a crude instrument that appeared to be born of a wire coat hanger.

The New Yorker

This discretion may be born of Kennedy's awareness of Kentucky's consistent efforts to protect its own trademark.

The New York Times

This trend may be born of the streets, or perhaps (though unlikely) it was inspired by Hollywood.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be born of", ensure that the subject is something abstract like an idea, emotion, or movement, rather than a concrete object.

Common error

Avoid using "be born of" to describe the physical creation of objects. Instead, reserve it for abstract concepts or origins. For instance, instead of saying 'The table was born of wood', say 'The idea was born of necessity'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be born of" functions as a passive construction indicating the origin or source of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is typically used to describe how an idea, feeling, or movement originates from a particular cause or condition, often implying a fundamental or essential connection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be born of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the origin or source of something, especially abstract concepts. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. It commonly appears in news, encyclopedias and scientific writing. While versatile, it's best suited for describing the genesis of ideas, emotions, or movements rather than concrete objects. Consider using alternatives like ""arise from"" or ""stem from"" to add nuance. Avoid misusing it with concrete subjects to maintain clarity and precision in your writing. Understanding these guidelines will ensure accurate and effective use of "be born of" in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arise from

Focuses on the emergence or origination of something from a particular source or cause.

originate from

Emphasizes the point of origin or initial source of something.

stem from

Suggests that something develops or results as a natural consequence of something else.

derive from

Highlights the process of obtaining or developing something from a source.

result from

Indicates that something is a direct consequence or outcome of a specific cause.

spring from

Implies a sudden or rapid emergence from a source.

be created from

Focuses on the act of creation and the materials or elements involved.

be a product of

Highlights that something is the result of a process, influence, or set of circumstances.

be a consequence of

Emphasizes the relationship between an action or event and its subsequent result.

be attributable to

Suggests that something can be credited or assigned to a particular cause or source.

FAQs

How can I use "be born of" in a sentence?

You can use "be born of" to describe the origin of an idea, emotion, or movement. For example, "The project was "be born of" a desire to improve community relations".

What are some alternatives to "be born of"?

Alternatives include "arise from", "originate from", or "stem from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something "was born from" instead of "be born of"?

While "born from" is sometimes used, ""be born of"" is generally considered more formal and grammatically precise, especially in academic or professional writing.

What is the difference between "be born of" and "result from"?

"Be born of" often implies a more intrinsic or fundamental origin, while "result from" suggests a more direct cause-and-effect relationship. For instance, passion might be born of love, while a decision might result from careful consideration.