be sprung from

USAGE SUMMARY

"be sprung from" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate origin or descent, often in a literary or poetic context. An example: "He is said to be sprung from a long line of warriors." Alternative expressions include "be derived from" and "be descended from."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Each sentence seems to be sprung from coy diffidence and measured irony.

The New York Times

"We decided that whatever we did would have to be sprung from within," Mr. Rogers said.

The New York Times

Across the field, the players were whooping and shouting, happy to be sprung from their professional clubs and reunited with their countrymen.

The New Yorker

He owns the joint, and pines for the day when he will be sprung from his uglifying hex by the touch of love.

The New Yorker

The suspect is held in a cell under the court building, so that he need not be driven through the streets of Denver, where he might be sprung from captivity by his allies or killed by them lest he reveal too much.

The Economist

Bradley, a severe man with a buzz cut, is built along the lines of an American football coach: a steady, hardworking, but personality-free drill sergeant whose analysis of plays is smattered with terms like "systems" and "work rates". Across the field, the players were whooping and shouting, happy to be sprung from their professional clubs and reunited with their countrymen.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

So music can truly be said to be springing from the land.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Like Woods, he's an old Etonian, but with five children and a string of former wives and girlfriends, he's unlikely to be springing from any closet.

The Guardian

No better place to celebrate being sprung from jail than the Kempinski.

Independent

Now, imagine those people being sprung from their cells en masse.

The New York Times

"It was as if I had been sprung from prison," Mr. Marimow said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be sprung from" to add a touch of figurative language when describing something's origin or liberation, especially in creative or literary contexts. For example: "His innovative ideas were sprung from years of experience."

Common error

Avoid using "be sprung from" in highly formal or technical writing where a more direct and literal term like "originate from" or "derive from" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be sprung from" functions as a passive construction, indicating the source or origin of something or someone. It often implies a sense of release or emergence from a previous state. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be sprung from" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates the origin or derivation of something, often implying a sense of release or emergence. While Ludwig considers it valid, it is more common in neutral and creative writing contexts than in highly formal or technical settings. Alternative phrases like "originate from" or "derive from" may be more suitable for formal use. The phrase's versatility and figurative potential make it a valuable tool for writers seeking to add depth and nuance to their descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

originate from

Focuses on the place or source where something begins, emphasizing its starting point.

stem from

Emphasizes the cause or reason why something exists or occurs.

derive from

Highlights the process by which something is obtained or developed from a source.

arise from

Suggests that something emerges or comes into existence as a result of something else.

be born of

Highlights the act of creation or birth from a specific source or condition.

descend from

Specifically refers to lineage or ancestry, implying a family connection.

be liberated from

Similar to "be released from" but with a stronger emphasis on freedom and independence.

be released from

Implies a liberation from a confined or restricted state.

emanate from

Suggests that something flows out or radiates from a particular source.

emerge from

Implies a coming out of something, often after being hidden or concealed.

FAQs

How can I use "be sprung from" in a sentence?

You can use "be sprung from" to describe the origin or source of something, often with a sense of release or emergence. For instance, "The solution was sprung from a brainstorming session" or "He was sprung from prison after the appeal was successful".

What are some alternatives to "be sprung from"?

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

Is "be sprung from" formal or informal?

"Be sprung from" leans towards the less formal side, often used in literary or creative contexts. For more formal settings, consider using "derive from" or "originate from".

What's the difference between "be sprung from" and "originate from"?

"Originate from" simply indicates the place or source of something's beginning. "Be sprung from" suggests a more dynamic emergence, implying a release or liberation from a previous state or location. For instance, "The river originates from the mountains" versus "His creativity was sprung from overcoming adversity".