could stem from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could stem from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something may originate or arise from a particular source or cause. Example: "The issues we are facing could stem from a lack of communication within the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It could stem from poverty and poor diet.

The New York Times

I think that is something that could stem from the Eden Project.

The Guardian - Arts

It could stem from a belief in an evil spirit or ghost.

The Guardian - Film

That could stem from a desire to stake out a different kind of wartime storytelling.

The New York Times - Arts

Europe's next unicorn [a startup company valued at $1bn plus] could stem from the collaborative economy".

The Guardian - Business

Part of fans' disenchantment could stem from they style of baseball that Drew and Beltran play.

The New York Times

Also trouble could stem from the nationalist activities of restless ethnic groups.

The New Yorker

Elevated levels could stem from training at high altitude or from dehydration.

The New York Times

Horrendous events could stem from trivial causes, but might require only the most trivial remedies.

Independent

The loyalty that thus far characterizes this administration could stem from the fact that aides genuinely like the president.

The New York Times

Scientists have not yet found the cause of the problem, which could stem from contaminants, local construction and other factors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could stem from" to suggest a plausible but not definitive cause or origin. This is useful when discussing possibilities or hypotheses rather than established facts.

Common error

Avoid using "could stem from" when a direct causal relationship is known and demonstrable. Instead, opt for stronger causal language like "results from" or "is caused by" when the connection is certain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could stem from" functions as a causal connector, linking a situation or outcome with its potential origin or cause. It indicates a possibility rather than a certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used to suggest a plausible relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could stem from" is a versatile causal connector used to suggest a potential origin or cause. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It's particularly common in news and scientific contexts, where it serves to propose explanations without asserting definitive proof. While suitable for formal writing, it's important to avoid overstating causality and to use stronger language when direct causal relationships are known. Alternatives like "may originate from" or "might arise from" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Understanding the appropriate usage of "could stem from" allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may originate from

Replaces "could stem" with "may originate", emphasizing the potential origin of something.

might arise from

Substitutes "could stem" with "might arise", suggesting a possibility of something emerging from a source.

may be attributed to

Replaces the entire phrase to focus on the aspect of assigning a cause or reason.

might be caused by

Similar to attributing, but more directly implies causation.

can be traced to

Suggests a process of discovering the origin or cause.

is possibly due to

Focuses on the potential reason or explanation for something.

is potentially linked to

Emphasizes a connection or relationship as a possible cause.

can potentially result from

Shifts the focus to the outcome and its possible origin.

it is plausible that it originates from

Adds a layer of likelihood to the origin, indicating a reasonable possibility.

one possible explanation is that it arises from

Presents the idea as one potential explanation among others.

FAQs

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

Use "could stem from" to suggest a possible origin or cause. For example, "The current economic downturn "could stem from" increased interest rates".

What's the difference between "could stem from" and "results from"?

"Could stem from" suggests a possible cause, while "results from" indicates a direct and proven causal relationship. "The problem "could stem from" poor planning" implies uncertainty, whereas "The problem results from poor planning" states it as a fact.

What are some alternatives to "could stem from"?

You can use alternatives like "may originate from", "might arise from", or "may be attributed to" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "could stem from" in formal writing?

Yes, "could stem from" is suitable for formal writing when you want to propose a possible explanation without asserting it as a definite fact. Its usage is widespread in news, science, and business contexts.