can stem from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can stem from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the origin or cause of something. Example: "The issues we are facing can stem from a lack of communication within the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Health aside, advertising whole foods can stem from a desire to turn around the failing fortunes of a product.

The Guardian

A. A balky BlackBerry trackball can stem from a software issue or a hardware problem.

The New York Times - Tech

Should governments promote efficiency?A: Inefficiency can stem from a failure of market mechanisms.

The Economist

Age-related memory deficiencies can stem from a number of causes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"There's compliance risk, which can stem from complicated and costly disputes.

Independent

The most common charge — insulting or attacking military personnel — can stem from a mundane argument with an officer.

The New York Times

These "prescription cascades" can stem from statins like Lipitor, common antihistamines like Benadryl and heartburn remedies like Prilosec.

The New York Times - Health

Other strikes can stem from sympathy with other striking unions or from jurisdictional disputes between two unions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The cause is often weakened pelvic floor muscles, which can stem from pregnancies and childbirth, menopause and weight gain.

The New York Times

But because onslaughts can stem from spoofed internet addresses, not all companies can prepare for or afford such mitigation.

The Economist

Such pulmonary embolisms, leading to sudden death, can stem from immobilisation, multiple trauma and dehydration, said Prof Brenner, a researcher at Rambam medical centre in Haifa.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing. While "can stem from" is suitable for various contexts, more formal settings may benefit from synonyms like "can originate from" or "can derive from".

Common error

Avoid using "can stem from" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "arise from", "result from", or "originate from" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can stem from" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect to its potential cause. It indicates that a particular situation, problem, or outcome originates or arises from a specific source, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can stem from" functions as a causal connector, indicating that something originates from a specific cause. Ludwig AI affirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While very common, it's beneficial to vary language by using synonyms like "can arise from" or "can result from" to avoid repetition. It is important to clearly identify both cause and effect to enhance clarity. The phrase enjoys a neutral register, making it useful in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can originate from

Emphasizes the point of origin or beginning of something, rather than the cause.

can arise from

Focuses on the emergence or appearance of something as a result of something else.

can result from

Highlights the consequence or outcome of a particular cause or action.

can derive from

Suggests a process of obtaining or developing something from a source.

can be caused by

Directly states that something is the effect of a specific cause.

can be attributed to

Indicates that something can be regarded as being caused by someone or something.

can be a consequence of

Focuses on the resulting effect or outcome of a particular action or situation.

can be traced back to

Emphasizes the ability to follow something to its origin or source.

can be born of

Suggests that something comes into existence as a direct result of something else, often used metaphorically.

can spring from

Implies a sudden or rapid emergence from a particular source or cause.

FAQs

What does "can stem from" mean?

"Can stem from" means to originate or arise from a particular source or cause. It suggests that something has its roots or beginnings in something else.

How can I use "can stem from" in a sentence?

Use "can stem from" to indicate the cause or origin of something. For example, "The problem can stem from a lack of communication."

Which is correct, "can stem from" or "can result from"?

Both "can stem from" and "can result from" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Can stem from" emphasizes the origin, while "can result from" emphasizes the consequence.

What are some alternatives to "can stem from"?

Alternatives include "can arise from", "can originate from", "can derive from", and "can be caused by". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.