Meaning & use
stemming from
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
having something as its origin or cause; resulting from
Grammar: Used after a noun to describe what that noun comes from: delays stemming from bad weather.
Patterns
- stemming from something
- stemming from the fact that ...
The company's financial problems are stemming from years of poor management.
There has been an increase in allergies stemming from changes in diet.
The argument was stemming from a simple misunderstanding.
Common combinations
- problems stemming from
- The report lists several problems stemming from the new policy.
- issues stemming from
- We discussed the issues stemming from the merger.
- stemming from a lack of
- The delays are stemming from a lack of resources.
Synonyms and how they differ
- arising from
- Very similar in meaning but slightly more formal; often used in legal or official writing.
- resulting from
- Focuses on the result rather than the origin; can often replace 'stemming from' without changing the meaning.
- due to
- Simpler and more common in everyday speech; it can be used before a noun but not after one in the same way.
Word family
- stem verb
- To come from or be caused by something: The idea stems from his childhood.
Commonly confused: stemming from or steaming?
stemming from vs steaming
Steaming means producing steam, while stemming from means originating from. They sound similar but are unrelated.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose one answer.
The simple past 'stemmed from' is correct because the accident already happened. 'Was stemming from' is not used for a single past event, and 'stemming from' needs a main verb.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “stemming from”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.