idea comes from

USAGE SUMMARY

"idea comes from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it any time you want to indicate the origin of an idea. For example: "The idea for the project comes from talking with stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wednesday's idea comes from Regina Kieran.

The New York Times

That idea comes from Astro Boy".

The New York Times

This project idea comes from the KoKoKoKids Blog found here.

Yale University

"Maybe this idea comes from our lack of knowledge".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I don't know where that idea comes from.

Independent

One idea comes from AMD, another embattled American technology firm.

The Economist

– some of the idea comes from David Beckham.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It doesn't matter where the idea comes from," she said.

The New York Times

"That idea comes from the very core of Impressionism".

The New York Times

I don't remember where the idea comes from.

The New York Times

I think the idea comes from the early 19th century.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When attributing an idea, be specific about the source. Instead of saying the "idea comes from research", specify "the idea comes from a study by Smith et al. published in 2020".

Common error

Avoid vague language when using "idea comes from". Instead of saying "the idea comes from somewhere", clearly state the origin to maintain credibility and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "idea comes from" functions as a linking phrase, connecting a concept or proposal to its source or origin. As shown in Ludwig's examples, this phrase clearly establishes attribution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "idea comes from" serves to attribute the origin of a concept, plan, or thought to a specific source. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. It's frequently used in news and media, scientific publications, and academic writing. To enhance clarity, it's best to be specific about the source when using this phrase, as indicated by the best practices for its usage. While alternatives like "idea originates from" or "idea stems from" exist, "idea comes from" remains a straightforward and widely accepted way to indicate the source of an idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

idea originates from

Replaces "comes from" with "originates from", emphasizing the starting point of the idea.

idea is derived from

Uses "derived from" to indicate that the idea is obtained or developed from something else.

source of the idea is

Focuses on identifying the "source" of the idea explicitly.

idea is inspired by

Indicates that the idea was influenced or stimulated by something.

idea stems from

Uses "stems from" to suggest that the idea grows or develops from a particular root or cause.

idea has its roots in

Emphasizes the deep origins or foundations of the idea.

genesis of the idea is

Highlights the beginning or creation of the idea.

inspiration for the idea is

Focuses on what provided the creative spark for the idea.

idea traces back to

Indicates that the idea's history can be followed to a specific origin.

idea is a product of

Suggests that the idea is the result or outcome of something.

FAQs

How can I use "idea comes from" in a sentence?

You can use "idea comes from" to attribute the origin of a concept or plan. For example, "The "idea comes from" a brainstorming session with the team".

What's a formal alternative to "idea comes from"?

In formal writing, you can use phrases like "the "concept originates from"" or "the "idea is derived from"" to express the source of an idea.

Is it correct to say "idea come from"?

No, the correct form is "idea comes from" when referring to a singular idea. "Come" is used with plural subjects, so you could say "ideas come from".

What's the difference between "idea comes from" and "idea stems from"?

"Idea comes from" simply indicates the source of the idea. "Idea stems from" suggests that the idea has grown or developed from that source, implying a more fundamental or causal connection.