that could stem from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that could stem from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a possible origin or cause of something, often in a speculative context. Example: "The issues we are facing in the project that could stem from a lack of communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

I think that is something that could stem from the Eden Project.

The Guardian - Arts

The job losses that could stem from a decline in tourism, Jenkins believes, would far outweigh those generated by Tesco.

Independent

Mr. Rupert warned of the deep unrest that could stem from a gulf between the haves and have-nots — a disconnect that many of his brands already heed.

The New York Times

Each cabinet minister will be asked to identify the "opportunities" that could stem from the UK's departure from the EU in their own particular field of competence, a senior government source told the newspaper.

The Guardian

Several studies document lengthening of the frost-free season within the conterminous United States (U.S). over the past century, and report trends in spring and fall frost timing that could stem from hemispheric warming.

Nature

As these petrological findings indicate magma storage much shallower than is currently thought of Hekla's mafic system, we use the constrained storage depth in combination with deformation modeling to forecast permissible surface uplift patterns that could stem from pre-eruptive magma intrusion.

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

In the meantime, measures that could stem fraud from identity theft — like legislation empowering consumers to block access to their credit records, making it impossible to extend new credit — have faced stiff resistance from industry groups.

The New York Times

Some players might find the courts still crowded, a phenomenon that could stem in part from no change to the fee for those 62 and older, who still pay $20, and for those 17 and younger, who pay $10.

The New York Times

Law enforcement officials and criminologists have differed on what may be causing the increase in homicides, saying that it could stem from gang violence or drug sales and addictions.

The Washington Post

That discrepancy could stem from smaller sample sizes or other unexplored factors, says epidemiologist and health economist Eric Feigl-Ding of Harvard University, who was not involved in the study.

Science Magazine

Proponents of optional celibacy in the Church have linked the sexual abuse of children by priests to its celibacy rule, saying that it could stem from sexual frustrations.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that could stem from" to introduce potential causes or origins when the exact cause is uncertain or speculative. This is particularly useful in analytical writing where exploring possibilities is key.

Common error

Avoid using "that could stem from" in situations where a direct and known cause is apparent. Overusing it can weaken the impact of your writing. Instead, opt for direct causal language when certainty exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that could stem from" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect to its potential cause. It indicates a possibility, not a certainty, and is used to introduce a hypothetical origin or reason. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Science & Research

28%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that could stem from" is a versatile phrase used to express a potential cause or origin. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, science, and research. While versatile, it is most effective when suggesting possibilities rather than stating certainties. Remember to avoid overuse in declarative sentences, and consider using alternatives like ""that might arise from"" or ""that may result from"" depending on the desired level of emphasis or formality. It has a neutral register and its communicative purpose is to speculate the origins of an event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that might arise from

Replaces "could" with "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability.

that may result from

Substitutes "stem" with "result", focusing on the outcome or consequence.

that can originate from

Emphasizes the point of origin or beginning of something.

that potentially derives from

Uses "derives" to highlight the source or etymology of something, also "potentially" is added.

that is possibly caused by

Focuses directly on causation, using a passive construction.

that conceivably springs from

Employs "springs" to suggest a sudden or unexpected emergence.

that arguably traces back to

Suggests a historical connection or root cause, emphasizing a line of development.

that is attributable to

Uses a more formal tone to assign a cause or reason.

that finds its roots in

Emphasizes the underlying foundation or origins of something.

that owes its existence to

Highlights a dependency on a specific cause for its being.

FAQs

How can I use "that could stem from" in a sentence?

Use "that could stem from" to suggest a possible cause or origin of something, like in: "The company's decline "that could stem from" poor management decisions."

What are some alternatives to "that could stem from"?

Alternatives include "that might arise from", "that may result from", or "that can originate from", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "that could stem from"?

While grammatically correct, "that could stem from" is best used when expressing uncertainty about the cause of something. If the cause is known with certainty, a more direct phrase might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "that could stem from" and "that results from"?

"That could stem from" suggests a possible origin, whereas "that results from" implies a more direct and certain causal relationship. Use "that could stem from" when you're speculating about potential causes.