stem

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "stem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this word as a verb or a noun to refer to the main trunk of a plant or tree, as well as a longer or more fundamental part or base of an object, concept, or idea, or to cut off the top of a plant or tree. Example sentence: The gardener trimmed the stem of the rosebush to encourage growth.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the north's economic problems do not stem from a lack of tech-startups or an inability to cross the Pennines at lightning-quick speed; they are borne of successive crises of capitalism, each of which leaving behind their own uncompromising legacy.

The Guardian

The growth of nationalism in the UK is unwelcome and destructive; properly endorsing our membership of the EU would do much to stem the tide of disaffection.

The Guardian

The deaths of around 1,800 people in the Mediterranean so far this year has also led to increasing discussion of how best to stem the flow of migrants from North Africa.

The Guardian

Outlining his story in a matter-of-fact manner, the controlling killer told the operator: "I grabbed the knife and stabbed him in the back of the neck, I believe somewhere near the brain stem.

The Guardian

But a huge national and international response helped stem the spread.

The Guardian

This week, Nigerien legislators adopted a law calling for prison sentences of up to 30 years for smugglers of illegal immigrants in an attempt to stem the flow of migrants leaving Africa for Europe.

The Guardian

They would have preferred to donate the embryos to science, but at the time, embryonic stem cell research was banned, so that choice was off the table.

The Guardian

Emily Dickinson's winter is charged with wildness – the snow buries the "stump and stack and stem" and creates "Acres of seams where harvests were".

The Guardian - Books

Catholic schools that participate are being asked not to donate to the ALS Association because it has a study under way using embryonic stem cell research, which is thought to violate teaching on abortion.

The Guardian

It's now seven years since Hütter and his team at the Charité hospital in Berlin performed a groundbreaking stem cell transplant on a 40 year old HIV-positive patient, suffering from leukaemia.

The Guardian

But the report also uncovered many discrepancies that did not stem from these circumstances.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stem" in the context of botany, use it in reference to the primary stalk of a plant and differentiate from branches or leaves.

Common error

While both "stem" and "arise" can denote origin, "stem" often implies a more direct or causal connection. Avoid using "arise" when a clear source or cause is intended.

Linguistic Context

The word "stem" functions primarily as a verb indicating the origin or cause of something, as demonstrated by Ludwig. It can also function as a noun, referring to the stalk of a plant or a similar structural part.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "stem" is a versatile term that can function both as a noun and a verb. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. As a verb, it signifies the origin or cause of something, while as a noun, it refers to the stalk of a plant or a similar structural component. Its usage is frequent across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal writing. When using "stem", be mindful of its specific meaning and ensure it clearly conveys either the origin or the physical structure you intend to describe. Overall, "stem" is a reliable and useful word to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

originate from

Focuses on the source or beginning of something, similar to "stem" when indicating origin.

arise from

Emphasizes the emergence or consequence of something, akin to "stem" in causal contexts.

derive from

Highlights the derivation or extraction of something, similar to "stem" when indicating lineage or source.

halt

Indicates stopping or preventing something, mirroring "stem" in its preventative sense.

curb

Suggests restraining or controlling something, similar to "stem" when managing a flow or spread.

check

Implies controlling or limiting something, close to "stem" in its restrictive usage.

stalk

Refers to the main body of a plant, comparable to "stem" in a botanical context.

trunk

Signifies the main body of a tree, similar to "stem" in its botanical sense.

branch

Relates to a part of a plant extending from the main "stem", indicating a derivative structure.

axis

Denotes the central line or structure, akin to "stem" as the main support or origin.

FAQs

How can I use "stem" in a sentence?

You can use "stem" to mean 'originate from', as in, "The current crisis "stems from" poor planning". Alternatively, you can use it to mean 'stop or impede', as in, "We need to "stem the flow" of misinformation".

What are some synonyms for "stem" when it means 'originate'?

When "stem" means 'originate', you can use synonyms like "derive from", "arise from", or "originate from". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something "stems out of" a situation?

While people might understand what you mean, it's more grammatically standard to say something ""stems from"" a situation. "Stems out of" is less common and can sound awkward.

When is it appropriate to use "stem" in a botanical context?

Use "stem" in a botanical context when referring to the main stalk of a plant that supports leaves, flowers, or fruit. For example, "The rose has a long, thorny "stem"".