it can stem from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can stem from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the origin or source of something, often in a causal context. Example: "The confusion in the meeting can stem from a lack of clear communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It can stem from problems with access, prices, marketing or financial literacy, or from self-exclusion in response to negative experiences or perceptions.

Huffington Post

In regards to "elder justice," elder abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual and financial, and while it can stem from long-term care professionals, it is most often perpetrated by family and friends who are close to the victim.

Huffington Post

Part of it can stem from the complexities of travel planning, and if that's difficult for you, Achor suggests you ask for help or turn things over to a travel agent.

Los Angeles Times

It can stem from a number of factors including musculoskeletal causes, motor, and non-motor complications.

BMC Palliative Care

This can stem from bad past experiences or it can stem from the fact that your current partner isn't to be trusted for some reason (in which case, it's time to rethink the relationship rather than blaming all women).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But the alliance cites a long list of alarming problems that it says can stem from computer use by young children: "Repetitive stress injuries, eyestrain, obesity, social isolation and, for some, long-term damage to physical, emotional or intellectual development".

The New York Times - Tech

It can stem directly from a physical cause, or it may involve physical, emotional, psychological, and social factors in any combination.

WikiHow

Yes, this will cost money, but it is very minimal considering the discounts that can stem from it.

Huffington Post

It also says that violence can stem from poverty, unemployment, drug dependence and psychological problems, and that tradition and gender discrimination play a part.

The New York Times

What's more, obsession with work can stem from our inner demons: It feeds on our insecurities, assuages our guilt when we see others overwork, or helps us escape personal troubles.

Harvard Business Review

Some of this can stem from not liking aspects of yourself, but more often than not, it's sourced in the inability to know yourself better.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can stem from", ensure the sentence clearly identifies both the effect and the potential causes. This improves clarity and strengthens the causal connection.

Common error

Avoid using "it can stem from" without specifying potential causes. Vague statements weaken your argument. Instead of saying "Problems can stem from miscommunication", be specific: "Delays in project completion can stem from miscommunication between departments."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can stem from" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect to its potential origin or cause. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is used to indicate that a particular situation or outcome is possibly caused by the stated factor, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can stem from" is a causal connector used to indicate the potential origin or cause of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples across news, science, and general writing. While the phrase is used correctly in English, it's important to use it to strengthen the causal connection with specificity. Alternatives like "it may result from" or "it could originate in" offer similar meanings with slight differences in formality. Its frequency is uncommon, appearing in a variety of sources, but most frequently in News & Media and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may result from

Replaces "can" with "may", suggesting a possibility rather than a certainty.

it might arise from

Similar to "it may result from" but uses "arise", indicating emergence or development.

it could originate in

Focuses on the origin or source, using "originate" instead of "stem".

it is attributable to

More formal, suggesting a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

it derives from

Emphasizes the derivation or extraction of something from a source.

it is a consequence of

Highlights the result or outcome of a particular action or situation.

it is caused by

A direct and simple way to express causation.

it springs from

Implies a more sudden or spontaneous origin.

the root cause is

Focuses specifically on identifying the fundamental cause.

it is born out of

Suggests a creative or transformative origin.

FAQs

What does "it can stem from" mean?

The phrase "it can stem from" means that something has the potential to originate or arise from a particular cause or source. It suggests a causal relationship where the stated cause is a possible origin, but not necessarily the only one.

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

Use "it can stem from" to indicate a possible origin or cause. For example: "The company's financial difficulties "it can stem from" poor investment decisions."

Which is more formal, "it can stem from" or "it is caused by"?

"It is caused by" is generally more direct and neutral, while "it can stem from" implies a less direct or more complex causal relationship. "It is caused by" might be preferred in highly formal or scientific writing where precision is key.

What are some alternatives to "it can stem from"?

Alternatives include "it may result from", "it might arise from", or "it could originate in", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.