hails from

USAGE SUMMARY

"hails from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate the origin or place of origin of a person, usually used in the context of where they grew up or where their family is from. For example: "He hails from the small town of Maple Valley in the state of Oregon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Shane Battier hails from Birmingham.

The New York Times

(Schumer hails from Brooklyn).

The New Yorker

(Swarovski, too, hails from that country).

The New York Times - Food

Saunders hails from the Hertfordshire traveller community.

Independent

She hails from Norway, not Nevada.

The Economist

(Swarovski hails from that country as well).

The New York Times

The woman hails from Arkansas!

The Guardian - Opinion

Ms. Fried hails from Iowa.

The New York Times

The owner, Keedick Coulter, hails from Roanoke, Va.

The New York Times - Food

Wilson hails from Waco in Texas.

The Guardian

Bellarosa hails from Belgium's Walloon region.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hails from" to add a touch of formality or elegance when describing someone's origin, particularly in journalistic or biographical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "hails from" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "is from" or "comes from" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hails from" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject (usually a person or entity) to their place of origin. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples where it indicates origin or affiliation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hails from" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate someone's origin, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its usage is most prevalent in News & Media contexts, lending a slightly formal tone. While it's considered correct and very common, less formal alternatives like "comes from" or "is from" are often suitable for informal communication. The choice between these options depends on the intended tone and audience. Ludwig provides many examples to illustrate the versatility and appropriate application of "hails from".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is originally from

Indicates place of origin; more direct and less formal than "hails from".

comes from

A very common and simple way to indicate origin.

is a native of

Highlights the person's connection to their birthplace.

was born in

Focuses specifically on the place of birth.

is from

A shortened, more casual way of saying "comes from".

originated in

Emphasizes the place where something started or began.

traces its roots to

Implies a deeper historical connection to a place.

has origins in

Similar to 'originated in' but can refer to less specific places or concepts.

is a product of

Suggests that a person's characteristics are influenced by their place of origin.

is a child of

Similar to 'is a product of' but with a more poetic tone.

FAQs

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

"Hails from" is used to indicate someone's place of origin. For example, "The author hails from a small village in Ireland".

What's a simpler way to say "hails from"?

You can use alternatives like "comes from" or "is from", which are less formal but convey the same meaning.

Is "hails from" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "hails from" is suitable for formal writing, adding a slightly elevated tone compared to simpler alternatives.

What's the difference between "is from" and "hails from"?

"Hails from" is a more formal and somewhat literary way of saying "is from". The choice depends on the desired tone and context.