it originated with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it originated with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the source or starting point of an idea, concept, or item. Example: "The theory of relativity originated with Albert Einstein in the early 20th century."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

This association of the arts is a theme that runs through the whole of the 19th century—it originated with the theories of the German short-story writer E.T.A. Hoffmann but for Debussy it was a theory more sensitively expressed in the tales of Edgar Allan Poe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It originated with ABC, which was getting its ass handed to it by CBS.

Forbes

It originated with Wolf Singer.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It originated with the advertising agency.

The Guardian - Film

It originated with Nazi playwright Hanns Johst.

The Guardian - Opinion

It originated with Bill Drayton, a formidably energetic visionary, organizer, and "social entrepreneur".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

It originates with his friends Ron and Di Oates, recent visitors from England.

The New York Times

Did it originate with the pet peeve of a self-anointed maven?

The Guardian - Books

"It's a photographic print that has definitely been digitally altered," Ms. Weiss said, "but it originates with photographic imagery and was printed as a photograph.

The New York Times

We can deduce, in the very simplest terms, that it originates with top government officials and transmits to companies all over the world, and that it carries both promises and threats.

The New Yorker

As best I can tell, it originates with the self-help guru Stephen Covey, and goes (in one version) like this: a teacher presents his pupils with a jam jar, a few large rocks, several smaller pebbles, and some sand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it originated with", ensure the subject "it" is clearly defined in the context to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "It originated with the team", specify: "The project originated with the team's initial proposal".

Common error

Ensure that the pronoun "it" has a clear and unambiguous antecedent. Avoid constructions where "it" could refer to multiple possible subjects, leading to confusion. Always make the subject clear in the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it originated with" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the source or origin of a subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is commonly used to specify where something began. The examples show diverse applications, from the arts to political ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

21%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it originated with" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the source or beginning of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news, academic, and encyclopedic sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the pronoun "it" has a clear antecedent to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases such as "it began with" or "it started with" offer alternative ways to express the same idea. Using "it originated with" effectively enhances clarity and provides valuable context to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it began with

Focuses on the start or commencement, emphasizing the initial action or event.

it started with

Highlights the inception or initial phase, similar to 'began with' but with a slightly less formal tone.

it has its origins in

Directly states that the beginning or source is located within something else.

it stemmed from

Suggests a consequence or result deriving from a specific source or cause.

it derives from

Focuses on how something is obtained or developed from a particular source.

its roots are in

Emphasizes the underlying cause or foundation, often used for abstract concepts or long-term developments.

it was born from

Implies a natural or evolutionary development from a particular origin.

it traces back to

Indicates a historical connection or lineage to an earlier time or source.

it was conceived by

Highlights the person or entity that created the idea or plan, emphasizing the act of conception.

the source of it is

Emphasizes that a source exists for that particular thing.

FAQs

What does "it originated with" mean?

The phrase "it originated with" means that something began or was created by a specific person, group, or entity. It highlights the source or starting point of an idea, concept, or practice.

How can I use "it originated with" in a sentence?

You can use "it originated with" to indicate the source of something. For example, "The tradition "it originated with" the indigenous people of the region."

What are some alternatives to "it originated with"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it began with", "it started with", or "it stemmed from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it originated with" formal or informal?

The phrase "it originated with" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone than the phrase itself.