coming from outside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coming from outside" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that originates from a source external to the current situation. For example: "The new ideas coming from outside allowed us to find a way to solve the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's coming from outside.

The Guardian

"The opposition is coming from outside Chinatown".

The New York Times

He blamed anarchists coming from outside Oakland.

The Guardian

It's probably coming from outside your industry.

Harvard Business Review

Much of the German demand is coming from outside Europe.

The New York Times

Often they are coming from outside the urban areas.

Independent

Is that smell coming from outside, or is it us?

The New York Times

A road runs between them, coming from outside.

Independent

After all, he was coming from outside the media business.

The New York Times

It's more self-imposed than coming from outside influences".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm coming from outside Washington, and I'm the challenger candidate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coming from outside" to clearly indicate that the origin or influence of something is external to a specific system, group, or location. For example, "The innovative ideas coming from outside the company revitalized our product line."

Common error

While "coming from outside" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. In such cases, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "originating externally" or "deriving from external sources" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coming from outside" functions as a prepositional phrase often used adjectivally to modify a noun, indicating the origin or source of something. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where it describes the origin of ideas, influences, or even physical objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Science

17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "coming from outside" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase indicating that something originates from an external source. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain situations. Its function is to specify external origin, with a neutral register suitable for news, academic, and business environments. Be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "originating externally" for enhanced formality. The phrase is highly prevalent, as seen by the many examples Ludwig provides.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sourced from elsewhere

Indicates that the origin is in a different location.

originating externally

Focuses on the source or point of origin being external.

deriving from external sources

Emphasizes the dependence on external factors or resources.

stemming from beyond

Implies a source that is not only external but also distant or remote.

introduced from a foreign source

Highlights the element of introduction and the foreign origin.

arising from without

A more formal way of saying "coming from outside", emphasizing the external origin.

influenced by external factors

Focuses on the impact of outside elements rather than their origin.

emanating from beyond the borders

Highlights the source as being located outside of defined limits or boundaries.

imported from beyond

Highlights the act of bringing something in from an external location.

arriving from abroad

Specifically relates to arrival from a foreign country or region.

FAQs

How can I use "coming from outside" in a sentence?

Use "coming from outside" to indicate that something originates or is influenced by an external source. For example, "The solution was "coming from outside" the department."

What are some alternatives to "coming from outside"?

You can use alternatives like "originating externally", "deriving from external sources", or "sourced from elsewhere" depending on the context.

Is "coming from outside" formal or informal?

"Coming from outside" is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "emanating from beyond".

What's the difference between "coming from outside" and "influenced by external factors"?

"Coming from outside" refers to the origin of something, while "influenced by external factors" emphasizes the impact or effect of external elements. The former indicates where something comes from, while the latter indicates how something is changed.