Phrasal verb
come from
Definition
phrasal verb. This tells you the origin of a person or thing, like their home country, city, or where something was made.
phrasal verb. A transitive prepositional verb indicating the origin or source of a person, object, or idea.
Examples
“She comes from Canada.”
“This coffee comes from a small farm in Colombia and has a really rich flavour.”
“Her deep-seated distrust of authority comes from a childhood spent under a repressive regime, shaping her political views for life.”
Examples
simple
“She comes from Canada.”
contextual
“This coffee comes from a small farm in Colombia and has a really rich flavour.”
complex
“Her deep-seated distrust of authority comes from a childhood spent under a repressive regime, shaping her political views for life.”
Usage
Used to state the origin of a person (country, city) or a thing (source, material).
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'be from', which is nearly synonymous for origin ('I come from Spain' vs. 'I am from Spain'), but 'come from' can also imply a cause ('His anger comes from insecurity').
Pitfall
Where you come from?
Where do you come from?
In questions, the auxiliary verb 'do' is required before the subject 'you'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
from
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
come + from + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/come-from