Come From – Meaning and Examples
When you meet a new person, one of the first questions you might ask is, “Where are you from?” In English, when you talk about the origin of a person, place, or thing, you use the phrasal verb come from.
This phrase is essential for talking about nationality, origins, sources, and inspiration. Let’s learn how to use come from correctly!
What Does “Come From” Mean?
“Come from” means to originate at or in a certain place, person, or source. It establishes the starting point or derivation of something.
- Geographical Origin: Where a person was born, a product was manufactured, or a place is located. (e.g., “This wood comes from local trees.”)
- Source/Cause: Where an idea, rule, or problem is derived. (e.g., “The inspiration for the painting came from a dream.”)
- Ancestry/Background: A person’s family, culture, or educational history. (e.g., “He comes from a family of musicians.”)
Think of it like tracing a river back to its source—you are finding where it began.
When to Use It
Use this phrase in neutral or casual conversations whenever you need to discuss origin:
- Introductions: Stating a person’s hometown or country.
- Explanation: Describing the source of information, a sound, or a decision.
- Food/Products: Identifying the location or ingredient source.
This phrase is neutral and one of the most common phrasal verbs in English.
Example Sentences
- She comes from a small village in the mountains.
- Where does the strange noise come from? I hear it in the attic.
- All our coffee beans come from sustainable farms in South America.
- The company’s new policy came from a recent government regulation.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “That painting is incredible! Where did the artist come from?”
Jamie: “He comes from a traditional art school, but his style is very modern.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not use an additional preposition like “to” before the noun. The “from” in the phrasal verb already serves that purpose.
❌ Don’t say: “I come from to Spain.” (Incorrect use of “to.”)
✅ Do say: “I come from Spain.” (Correct, simple structure.)
✅ Do say: “The answer comes from the textbook.” (Correctly identifying the source.)
Practice Tip
When you are talking about your own story, practice this phrase: “I come from a place where the weather is always warm, so I love the sun.”
Final Note
Excellent work! You now know how to use come from to talk clearly about origins and sources, a fundamental part of daily conversation.
Keep using this phrase to describe yourself and the world around you!