likely stems from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely stems from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a probable origin or cause of something. Example: "The increase in online shopping likely stems from the convenience it offers consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This likely stems from childhood and school.

The Guardian

His pedestrian expertise likely stems from his inability to drive.

The New York Times

Her case of post-traumatic stress disorder most likely stems from the combination of these events.

The New York Times - Magazine

The increase most likely stems from franchises in Chicago and Nashville.

The New York Times - Sports

A colleague's emotional outburst likely stems from the perception that they were not being treated fairly.

Harvard Business Review

This belief most likely stems from the observation that reptilian eggs lack the avian chalazae19,20.

Nature

That this once popular work has fallen into neglect likely stems from characters too thinly drawn to be relatable.

The New York Times - Arts

This effect is especially strong for firms that meet or beat the forecast, suggesting that this outcome more likely stems from earnings inflation.

Harvard University

She said the interest in Staten Island likely stems from its relatively new addiction crisis and the fact that white middle-class residents are being affected.

The New York Times

Some hostility to E.U. migrants likely stems from racist prejudice, but our research indicates that much of it is driven by perceived economic threats.

The Washington Post

This extraordinary reversible fibre formation/regeneration process likely stems from an intrinsic dynamic behaviour of the particles comprising the onychophoran slime.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likely stems from", ensure that the connection between the cause and effect is logical and supported by evidence. Avoid making unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid using "likely stems from" when the connection is speculative or lacks evidence. Instead, use more tentative language like "might be related to" or "could possibly be attributed to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely stems from" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect or outcome to its probable cause or origin. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, reinforcing its role in establishing causal relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "likely stems from" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express a probable cause or origin. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using the phrase, ensure the connection between cause and effect is logical and avoid overstating the certainty of the relationship. While the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal communication, consider more formal alternatives like "is attributable to" in highly formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probably originates from

Emphasizes the point of origin rather than the cause.

most likely derives from

Similar meaning but suggests a process of deduction.

presumably arises from

Adds a degree of assumption or conjecture.

plausibly results from

Highlights the potential outcome or consequence.

conceivably is attributable to

More formal and suggests a degree of uncertainty.

could reasonably be ascribed to

More formal and indicates an external cause.

may well be a consequence of

Focuses on the consequential relationship.

is possibly a product of

Suggests an outcome or creation.

might plausibly be explained by

Focuses on providing a potential explanation.

hypothetically is caused by

Introduces a speculative or unproven causal relationship.

FAQs

What does "likely stems from" mean?

The phrase "likely stems from" means that something is probably caused by or originates from a particular source or reason. It suggests a high probability but not absolute certainty.

What are some alternatives to "likely stems from"?

You can use alternatives like "probably originates from", "most likely derives from", or "presumably arises from" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

How formal is the phrase "likely stems from"?

The phrase "likely stems from" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or scientific writing, you might consider alternatives like "is attributable to" or "is a consequence of".

Is it correct to say "likely stems from"?

Yes, the phrase "likely stems from" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written and spoken English to indicate a probable cause or origin. According to Ludwig, the phrase is appropriate and supported by numerous examples.