something from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an item, idea, or concept that originates or is derived from a particular source. Example: "I found something from the archives that could help with our research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Something from cyberspace?

The New York Times

"Steal something from me".

The New Yorker

"They're building something from scratch.

The New York Times

Everyone needs something from me.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm often making something from nothing.

The Guardian

That night, they played something from 1973.

The New Yorker

"You look like something from another planet.

The New Yorker

Something from the 1860s is precious.

Independent

I'd inherited something from my parents.

The New Yorker

But I wanted something from my father.

The New York Times

"We needed something beautiful, something from us.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "something from", ensure the source is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, "something from the archives" is more specific than just "something from somewhere".

Common error

Avoid using "something from" with extremely vague sources like "something from nowhere". Ensure the source, even if broad, provides some context. Instead of "something from a distant place", try "something from another country" or "something from a foreign land".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something from" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. Ludwig AI shows it indicates origin or source. It commonly specifies where something comes from, be it a physical object, an idea, or an influence, as illustrated by examples like "something from my childhood" or "something from the archives".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

18%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something from" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote the origin or source of an item, idea, or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts make it a valuable part of the English lexicon. It's primarily used in news and media, followed by Wiki and Scientific contexts. When using "something from", clarity is key; specifying the source enhances understanding. While it is generally neutral in tone, the specific context can influence the formality. Remember to avoid vague sources to maintain clarity. Ultimately, this phrase is a common and acceptable way to indicate derivation or extraction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extract from

More direct and concise, indicating a specific removal.

a selection from

Highlights choosing from a larger set.

a piece taken from

Emphasizes that a specific part was extracted.

item originating from

Focuses on the origin of the item rather than a general selection.

creation stemming from

Focuses on how the creative work originated from somewhere.

element derived from

Highlights the derivation or extraction of an element from a source.

excerpt taken out of

Focuses on a quotation being selected or derived.

content sourced from

Specifically refers to where content has been obtained.

product originating in

Indicates the geographical or institutional origin of a product.

artefact hailing from

Indicates the place of origin of an artifact.

FAQs

How can I use "something from" in a sentence?

Use "something from" to indicate the origin or source of an item, idea, or influence. For example, "I learned "something from" that experience", or "This recipe includes "something from" Italian cuisine".

What are some alternatives to using "something from"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "an excerpt from", "a piece of", or "originating from" instead of "something from". These alternatives can provide more specific or formal ways to express the same idea.

Is it always necessary to specify the source after "something from"?

While not always required, specifying the source after "something from" enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity. For instance, saying ""something from" a book" is clearer than just ""something from" somewhere".

How does the formality of "something from" compare to its alternatives?

The phrase ""something from"" is generally neutral in tone. More formal alternatives include "derived from" or "sourced from", while informal options might be "a bit from" or "stuff from".