trailing from

USAGE SUMMARY

"trailing from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate a continuous line from one thing to another. For example, "Rainbows were trailing from the sky, extending beyond the horizon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Too many cords trailing from it to be a kite.

The New York Times

Suitcases instead were in the hall, coats and dresses trailing from hangers piled together.

The New Yorker

In my mosaic, a glass slipper has blood trailing from the heel of the shoe.

The Economist

They were thin and mutilated, their flesh ripped and trailing from their bodies like rags.

The New Yorker

All the others had come out easily enough but this one was rusted in, the exhaust unit trailing from it.

The New Yorker

As usual, a dispirited janitor arrived with some fresh garbage bags trailing from his jeans pocket and emptied the trash.

The New York Times

The wallow was where El Solitario Jorge spent much of his time, smiling inanely and with the odd bit of food trailing from his mouth.

The Economist

He went to Palazzo Vecchio in Florence and stood in front of a marble fountain for 20 minutes with toilet paper trailing from his trousers.

The New York Times - Arts

Then he took another, identical to the first: the hooded man, in his blanket poncho, barefoot atop his box, arms outstretched, wires trailing from his fingers.

The New Yorker

The agency has yet to contact her, she said, and the white fabric, about 16 by 20 inches with two cords trailing from it, remains in the tree.

The New York Times

From the earliest Walkman to the latest fashion-accessory MP3 player, music on the go has generally meant cables trailing from ears to pocket or purse.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trailing from", ensure the image or action being described is clear and contributes to the overall understanding of the scene. For example: "Wires trailing from his fingers" creates a specific visual.

Common error

While "trailing from" is effective for physical descriptions, it may not always be suitable for abstract ideas. Instead of saying "Success trailing from hard work", consider "Success stemming from hard work" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trailing from" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to describe something that extends, follows, or hangs behind something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "trailing from" is a grammatically sound and versatile construction used to depict something extending or following behind something else. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it also appears in scientific and wiki sources. When writing, ensure you are using it in contexts where a physical extension is implied, avoiding abstract uses where alternatives like "stemming from" might be more appropriate. With a strong presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, "trailing from" is a valuable tool for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emanating from

Focuses on the origin of something, similar to something stemming or radiating from a source.

originating from

Focuses on the place or point where something begins or is created.

extending from

Emphasizes the physical reach or length originating from a point.

deriving from

Indicates that something is obtained or developed from a source.

stemming from

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship, suggesting something arises or results from something else.

flowing from

Suggests a continuous and smooth movement or emanation from a source.

issuing from

Suggests a formal or official release or flow from a source.

proceeding from

Implies a logical sequence or progression from a starting point.

following from

Implies that something happens as a result or consequence of something else.

issuing forth from

A more emphatic and sometimes dramatic way of saying issuing from, suggesting a forceful emanation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "trailing from" in a sentence?

"Trailing from" is best used to describe something physically extending or following behind something else. For example, "A scarf was trailing from her neck" shows a visual image of the scarf's position.

What are some alternatives to "trailing from"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "emanating from", "stemming from", or "extending from". These phrases can add nuance to your descriptions.

Is "trailing from" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "trailing from" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as evidenced by its usage in reputable news sources and academic contexts. The tone depends more on the subject matter than the phrase itself.

When should I avoid using "trailing from"?

Avoid using "trailing from" in abstract contexts where a physical extension isn't implied. For example, instead of "Benefits trailing from the new policy", consider "Benefits resulting from the new policy".