is thought to stem from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is thought to stem from' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate the origin or source of something, and it implies that the source is uncertain. For example: "The rise of the nationalist movement in the country is thought to stem from dissatisfaction with the government's policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is thought to stem from aberrancies in large-scale cognitive control networks.

Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging

The radiation in this region is thought to stem from fast-moving atoms of hydrogen, oxygen and sulfur.

The Washington Post

Fiber's role in preventing heart disease is thought to stem from its ability to lower both blood pressure and cholesterol.

Harvard University

The name "Curly Fu" is thought to stem from his hairstyle and the Chinese shortening of Holmes - "fu".

Independent

According to NBC News, the outbreak is thought to stem from a reindeer carcass that died in the plague 75 years ago.

The Washington Post

The Kanun law, which is thought to stem from an Albanian nobleman named Lekë Dukagjini in the 15th century, also plays a large part in Albania's gun culture.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

About half the cases are thought to stem from allergies and the rest from other problems that can irritate and inflame the airways, causing them to close.

The New York Times - Health

The operation was thought to stem from the arrest four years ago of Giovanni Tegano, who at the time was one of Italy's 30 most wanted mobsters.

The Guardian

Cancers -- pockets of abnormally rapid cell growth -- have many causes, but are thought to stem from damage to a cell's DNA.

The New York Times - Health

The plans are thought to stem from a consultation involving an external company that recommended a slower approach to digital to fit the way Times subscribers want to consume the newspaper's content online.

The Guardian

Both the pressure and chemical composition of inner ear fluid must be carefully maintained, and certain disorders such as Ménière's disease are thought to stem from abnormal pressure fluctuations.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is thought to stem from", ensure the context clearly indicates the element being influenced and the proposed source. This phrase is most effective when presenting a reasoned, but not definitively proven, causal relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "is thought to stem from" when definitive proof exists. Opt for stronger phrases like "is known to result from" or "is caused by" if the origin is well-established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is thought to stem from" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect or phenomenon with its presumed cause or origin. According to Ludwig, it suggests a relationship based on reasoning, not necessarily definitive proof.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is thought to stem from" is a versatile causal connector that proposes a reasoned origin for something, as confirmed by Ludwig. It’s grammatically sound and sees common usage across a spectrum of contexts, especially in scientific, news, and academic writing. While it suggests a causal link, it implies that the origin is not definitively proven, thus inviting further investigation or consideration. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English, emphasizing its legitimacy. Remember to use it when presenting reasoned hypotheses, while avoiding it in situations where definitive proof is available. By using alternatives such as "is believed to originate from" or "is presumed to derive from", you can adjust the nuance to better fit your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is believed to originate from

Replaces "thought" with "believed" and "stem" with "originate", emphasizing a conviction about the source.

is considered to arise from

Substitutes "thought" with "considered" and "stem" with "arise", suggesting a more formal assessment of the cause.

is presumed to derive from

Uses "presumed" instead of "thought" and "derive" instead of "stem", indicating an assumption about the origin.

is understood to result from

Replaces "thought" with "understood" and "stem" with "result", focusing on the consequence of a particular factor.

is attributed to originate from

Uses "attributed" indicating a cause or origin to something and "originate" to refer to where things start

is linked to be caused by

Replacing 'stem from' with 'be caused by' and add 'linked to' instead of is 'thought to'

is connected to be originated by

Changing the structure by adding be + past participle and connecting using 'connected to'

is rumored to have started from

Changing the first verb to rumor and changing 'stem' to 'start' and change the structure

is speculated to have started from

Changing the first verb to speculated and changing 'stem' to 'start' and change the structure

may originate from

Uses “may originate” to expresses possibility and emphasize the origin and changes the word to be a possibility

FAQs

What does "is thought to stem from" mean?

The phrase "is thought to stem from" suggests that something is believed to originate or arise from a particular cause or source, though without definitive proof. It indicates a reasoned assumption.

What can I say instead of "is thought to stem from"?

You can use alternatives like "is believed to originate from", "is considered to arise from", or "is presumed to derive from" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is thought to stem from"?

It's appropriate when discussing potential causes or origins where there's a degree of uncertainty or the evidence is suggestive but not conclusive. Use it to express a reasoned hypothesis.

Is "is thought to stem from" formal or informal?

The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is common in academic, news, and general writing, conveying a sense of reasoned possibility.