from some time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "from some time" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a starting point or origin of something. Example: "From some time in the past, I have been interested in learning a new language."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

There are big mitigating circumstances – it was from some time ago.

The Guardian

Yes; the Tower housed a menagerie of exotic wild animals from some time in the 1200s until 1835.

Princeton University

The earliest wholly glass objects from Egypt are beads dating from some time after c. 2500 bc.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Luis Castillo also returned from some time off, giving Manager Willie Randolph his fullest complement of players since April.

The New York Times - Sports

However, we feel that he will benefit from some time in county cricket to rediscover his form," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

It's almost like looking at a ruin of the Capitol, from some time in the distant future.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Corrie hadn't heard from him for some time then.

The New Yorker

I was completely removed from music for some time.

Forbes

From some Times readers, some who are experts in their own right, responding to my Twitter query: @DJBentley: @Sulliview Accurate and explained clearly.

The New York Times

Dr. Loria received her PhD in Plant Pathology from Michigan State University, some time ago.

Cornell University

My wife had a cellphone stolen from her some time ago.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "from some time", ensure the context clearly indicates the relationship between the past point and the current situation or subject. Provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity regarding the timeframe.

Common error

Avoid using "from some time" without providing any additional context. It can be confusing if the reader doesn't know roughly when the 'some time' refers to. Instead, provide a more specific time frame or event to anchor the reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from some time" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the origin or starting point of an action, event, or state. It provides a temporal reference, specifying that something has been the case since an unspecified duration in the past. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0.01%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "from some time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that denotes a temporal origin or starting point. As Ludwig confirms, its usage is correct and common across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, this phrase serves to connect a past event with the present. While versatile, it's essential to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "since a while ago" or "in the past". Remember to anchor the duration reference for clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some time in the past

Directly references duration situated before the present.

from a certain period

Specifies a particular duration in the past.

some time previously

Formal way of indicating a point before the current one.

since a while ago

Indicates a starting point in the past, focusing on the duration since then.

dating back to a point

Highlights the origin or commencement at an earlier duration.

a while back

Colloquial expression for an unspecified duration in the past.

in the distant past

Emphasizes that the event or object originated in a remote period.

back when

Informal way to introduce events that happened earlier.

earlier on

Highlights something occurred before a specific event or duration.

in days gone by

Evokes a sense of nostalgia when referring to previous durations.

FAQs

How can I use "from some time" in a sentence?

Use "from some time" to indicate a starting point or origin in the past, as in "The practice dates from some time in the 18th century". Be sure to provide context so the duration referenced is clear.

What are some alternatives to "from some time"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "since a while ago", "from a certain period", or "some time in the past".

Is it better to use "from some time" or a more specific duration?

While "from some time" is grammatically correct, using a more specific duration (e.g., "from the 1990s", "from last year") often provides greater clarity and precision, enhancing the reader's understanding.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "from some time"?

The phrase is appropriate when you want to indicate that something originated or has been happening since an unspecified duration in the past, and providing an exact duration isn't necessary or possible. For example: "The tradition has existed from some time back".