Definition of “From”
The word “from” is a preposition used to indicate the point in space, time, or a scale at which something begins, the source or cause of something, or separation and distinction between two things.
Common Uses of “From”
- Indicating a starting point: She walked from the house to the store.
- Denoting a source or origin: This letter is from John.
- Expressing cause or reason: He suffered from a headache.
- Showing differentiation: He is different from his brother.
- Indicating a range: The shop is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Synonyms for “From”
While “from” has a broad range of uses, certain synonyms can be used in specific contexts.
Strongest Matches (Highly interchangeable with “from” in many contexts)
- Out of
- Out
- Starting at
- Originating in
- Since (for time-related contexts)
Strong Matches (Closely related but not always interchangeable)
- Beginning at
- Proceeding from
- Stemming from
- Due to (for causation)
- As a result of
Weak Matches (Sometimes substitutable, depending on context)
- Through (in directional or transformational contexts)
- Away from (when implying separation)
- Coming from (when referring to origins)
- Via (for movement or travel-related contexts)
- By (when denoting authorship or origin in certain situations)
Example Sentences Using “From” in Different Contexts
- Spatial Relationship: The train departed from New York at noon.
- Time Reference: She has been working from 2015 onwards.
- Causation: He was exhausted from running all day.
- Differentiation: This dress is different from the one I saw yesterday.
- Exclusion: Please refrain from smoking in this area.
Contextual Usage of “From”
Formal Usage:
- “The proposal originated from our headquarters.”
- “Your feedback has been taken from the latest customer survey.”
Informal Usage:
- “I got this idea from a movie I watched last night.”
- “She borrowed my book from me.”
Idiomatic Expressions:
- “From the ground up” – Meaning: Building something from scratch.
- Example: He built his company from the ground up.
- “From rags to riches” – Meaning: Rising from poverty to wealth.
- Example: His story is truly a from rags to riches tale.
- “From A to Z” – Meaning: Covering everything in detail.
- Example: She explained the process from A to Z.
Related Words and Phrases
- Derived words: Fromwards (archaic, meaning “moving away from a point”)
- Common collocations: From scratch, From memory, From now on, From time to time
- Antonyms: Toward, To, Until (in some contexts)
Additional Relevant Information
Etymology of “From”
The word “from” originates from the Old English “fram,” meaning “forward, away from, or opposite.” It is related to Old Norse “frá” and Old High German “fram,” both carrying similar directional meanings.
Common Misuses of “From”
- Incorrect: She is different than her sister.
Correct: She is different from her sister. - Incorrect: The meeting is open from 3 PM.
Correct: The meeting is open from 3 PM to 5 PM.
Disclaimer
This page is for informational and educational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, linguistic nuances may vary based on context, dialect, and evolving language trends. Always refer to authoritative grammar sources for precise usage guidelines.
