to come from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to come from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the origin or source of something or someone. Example: "She is proud to come from a small town with a rich history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"To come from Milwaukee!

The New Yorker

It appears to come from the sky".

The New Yorker

Where was growth supposed to come from?

The New York Times

The rest has to come from tuition.

The New York Times

It seemed to come from her mouth.

The New Yorker

Taste has to come from somewhere.

The New Yorker

A lot more to come from him".

Independent

It has to come from within".

The New York Times - Sports

"Change has to come from us".

The Guardian

It needs to come from another player".

The New York Times - Sports

The motivation has to come from them.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to come from" to clearly indicate the origin or source of something, whether it's a place, a cause, or an idea. Ensure the context makes the relationship between the subject and its origin clear.

Common error

Avoid using "to come from" when a more specific verb like 'originate', 'derive', or 'stem' would provide greater clarity or precision. Consider the specific type of origin you want to convey and choose the verb accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to come from" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that specifies the origin or source of something. It can also act as an infinitive phrase within a larger sentence structure. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to come from" is a versatile and frequently used expression that serves to pinpoint the source or origin of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and readily applicable in diverse contexts. While alternatives such as "originate from" or "derive from" may suit more formal settings, "to come from" maintains a neutral tone suitable for a broad audience. This analysis underscores the importance of understanding the subtle nuances of language to effectively convey meaning and context. The phrase's high frequency and distribution across reputable sources like The New York Times and BBC, highlight its significance in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

originate from

Replaces "come" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the point of origin.

be sourced from

Indicates the origin or procurement location of materials or resources.

derive from

Indicates that something is obtained or developed from a source.

arise from

Suggests something emerges or results from a particular cause or situation.

stem from

Implies that something arises or originates from a particular source or cause.

emanate from

Implies something originates and spreads out from a source.

be a product of

Highlights the resulting effect or creation from a source.

trace back to

Suggests discovering the origin or historical roots of something.

hail from

Commonly used to indicate where someone is originally from, often geographically.

be born in

Specifically denotes the place of birth or origin.

FAQs

How can I use "to come from" in a sentence?

Use "to come from" to show where something originates. For example, "The idea for the project seemed "to come from the sky"" or "Their motivation has "to come from within"".

What is a more formal alternative to "to come from"?

Alternatives such as "originate from" or "derive from" offer a more formal tone. For instance, instead of saying "The tradition has "to come from" ancient times", you could say "The tradition originates from ancient times".

Which is correct, "to come from" or "coming from"?

Both "to come from" and "coming from" are grammatically correct, but they serve different purposes. "To come from" is typically used as an infinitive phrase, while "coming from" is a present participle phrase. For example, "It is important "to come from" a place of understanding" versus "Coming from a background in science, she approached the problem analytically".

What's the difference between "to come from" and "be from"?

"To come from" emphasizes the act of originating or deriving from a particular source, while "be from" simply states a person's or thing's origin. For example, "She is proud "to come from" a small town" focuses on her originating there, whereas "She is from a small town" simply states her origin.