it might stem from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it might stem from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting a possible origin or cause of something. Example: "The confusion in the meeting might stem from a lack of clear communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It might stem from a hybrid experience of growing up in Queens but having a Glaswegian mother and a German father.

The Guardian - Music

The researchers who discovered "cuteness aggression" theorized that it might stem from a desire to hold or care for the animal on screen – that people experience physical signs of anger because they want to hug the wombat so bad.

The Guardian - Opinion

It might stem from the violation of those norms by a particular person, as when someone tells a racist joke and no one knows how to respond, or from the collision of two incompatible sets of norms, as when David Brent brings the quest for reality show celebrity to the workplace.

The Guardian

If Sinn Féin does have a headache it might stem from the rise of independents in their traditional areas.

BBC

And it might stem from them going into Beverly Hills and the west side.

Huffington Post

Or, it might stem from the insecurity of the circumstances of their divorce.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

His success certainly has a lot to do with his diligence and ingenuity, but it also might stem from his collection of homemade devices.

Vice

Dean McCarron, who tracks the PC semiconductor market for Mercury Research of Cave Creek, Ariz., said that A.M.D.'s problem might stem from the way it shifted much of its production to large PC makers like Dell in 2006.

The New York Times - Tech

Vineet Arora, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Chicago, praised the research but was cautious to read too much into the main result, pointing out that it was important to remember the effect might stem from multiple factors.

The Washington Post

Smith Street Tattoo's international reputation might stem from its artists' frequent trips abroad.

The New York Times

Some of the coverage might stem from defense leaks, but it might also be a byproduct of the fact that so many reporters are covering a single news event.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it might stem from", ensure the context clearly indicates a potential, rather than a definite, cause. This phrasing is best suited for speculative or exploratory explanations.

Common error

Avoid using "it might stem from" when a cause is definitively known. Instead, use phrases that indicate certainty, such as "it results from" or "it is caused by".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it might stem from" functions as a causal connector, suggesting a possible origin or cause. It introduces a hypothesis about the root of a situation or phenomenon, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it might stem from" serves as a causal connector, indicating a potential origin or cause. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its usage is most common in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. When writing, ensure the context aligns with a speculative explanation rather than a definitive cause. Alternatives include "it could be due to" and "it may arise out of", each with slightly different nuances. While the phrase is versatile, avoid overstating the certainty of a cause when employing it. According to the provided examples, it is typically used to introduce a hypothesis or a reasoned explanation. Therefore, in professional writing, it's essential to use this phrase with precision to accurately convey the intended level of certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might be caused by

Directly indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.

it could be due to

A simpler and more direct way of indicating causation.

it could originate in

Uses "originate" to emphasize the beginning or source, offering a more formal tone than "stem from".

it may result from

Emphasizes that something is a direct outcome.

it may arise out of

Suggests that something develops or emerges from a particular cause or situation.

it could be attributed to

Offers a more direct assignment of cause or responsibility.

it might derive from

Focuses on the origin or source from which something is obtained.

it may be a consequence of

Highlights the result or effect of something else.

it can be linked to

Suggests a connection or association, rather than a direct cause.

it potentially springs from

Implies a sudden or unexpected emergence from a source.

FAQs

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

Use "it might stem from" to suggest a possible origin or cause of something, like in the sentence: "The problem "it might stem from" a lack of communication.".

What is a more formal way to say "it might stem from"?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases such as "it could originate in" or "it may arise out of" to suggest a potential cause.

Is "it might stem from" interchangeable with "it is caused by"?

No, "it might stem from" implies uncertainty and suggests a possibility, whereas "it is caused by" indicates a definite and confirmed cause. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the certainty of the cause-and-effect relationship.

What's the difference between "it might stem from" and "it could be due to"?

While both phrases suggest a possible cause, "it could be due to" is generally more direct and common, while "it might stem from" implies a deeper, more fundamental origin or root cause.