Phrasal verb
stem from
Definition
phrasal verb. to be caused by something or to start because of something that happened in the past.
phrasal verb. to originate from or be caused by something. This phrasal verb is inseparable and always requires a prepositional object introduced by 'from'.
Examples
“Most of her problems stem from a lack of confidence.”
“The current economic crisis stems from several years of poor financial management and risky investments.”
“The profound cultural shifts observed in the late twentieth century stem from a complex interplay of technological advancement and social liberation.”
Examples
simple
“Most of her problems stem from a lack of confidence.”
contextual
“The current economic crisis stems from several years of poor financial management and risky investments.”
complex
“The profound cultural shifts observed in the late twentieth century stem from a complex interplay of technological advancement and social liberation.”
Usage
usually used in the present tense to describe the root cause of a current situation.
Teaching tip
use the image of a plant's stem growing out of a root to help students visualize how one thing grows out of another.
Pitfall
The issue stems of a misunderstanding.
The issue stems from a misunderstanding.
the verb 'stem' must be followed by the preposition 'from', not 'of'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
from
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
stem + 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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