come from somewhere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come from somewhere" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the origin or source of something, whether it be a physical object, an idea, or a feeling. Example: "Her passion for painting seems to come from somewhere deep within her childhood memories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Taste has to come from somewhere.

The New Yorker

We all come from somewhere else.

Independent

Or does it come from somewhere else?

The New Yorker

Everybody has to come from somewhere.

The New Yorker

Those folk tales had come from somewhere".

The New York Times - Books

The money has to come from somewhere.

The New York Times

They have to come from somewhere".

The New Yorker

The [money] has to come from somewhere?

The Guardian

Those milliseconds come from somewhere else.

The New Yorker

"The money had to come from somewhere".

The New York Times

"He didn't come from somewhere else.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "come from somewhere", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a physical location, an abstract source of inspiration, or a point of origin for an idea or feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "come from somewhere" in contexts where the origin is completely irrelevant or adds no meaningful information to the sentence. Instead, focus on the direct cause or relevant details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come from somewhere" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating origin or derivation. It signifies that something has a source, even if that source is not explicitly defined. Ludwig provides many examples demonstrating this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "come from somewhere" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something has an origin or source, whether physical or abstract. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news media, academic writing, and scientific discussions. While alternatives like "originate from a place" or "derive from a source" exist, "come from somewhere" maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies the nature of the origin being referenced to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

originate from a place

This alternative emphasizes the starting point or location of something.

derive from a source

This suggests that something is obtained or developed from a particular origin.

stem from a location

This implies that something arises or originates from a specific place.

arise from a certain origin

This indicates that something begins or emerges from a particular source.

have roots in a region

This emphasizes the connection of something to a specific geographic area.

be born out of

This suggests that something is created or developed as a result of something else.

take its origin from

This alternative focuses on the act of beginning or starting from a particular place.

be traced back to

This implies an investigation to find the starting point or source of something.

find its source in

This highlights the discovery of where something originates.

spring from a background

This suggests that something emerges or develops from a particular set of experiences or circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "come from somewhere" in a sentence?

You can use "come from somewhere" to indicate the origin or source of something. For example, "Her artistic talent must "come from somewhere" in her family history".

What are some alternatives to "come from somewhere"?

Alternatives include phrases like "originate from a place", "derive from a source", or "stem from a location", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "come from somewhere"?

Yes, "come from somewhere" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It indicates that something has an origin or source, even if the specific source is not known or specified.

How does the meaning of "come from somewhere" differ from "come from nowhere"?

"Come from somewhere" implies an origin or source, while "come from nowhere" suggests that something appeared without any apparent cause or origin. They are opposites in meaning.