# stem from

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stem-from
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to be caused by something or to start because of something that happened in the past.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The issue stems of a misunderstanding." but "The issue stems from a misunderstanding." — the verb 'stem' must be followed by the preposition 'from', not 'of'.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.